The Boston Red Sox enjoyed a strong 2025 season, returning to the MLB playoffs behind the efforts of their young, emerging core. Although their postseason run was cut short, the future remains bright thanks to the rise of left-handed slugger Roman Anthony.

The 21-year-old made his big league debut last year and quickly impressed. A second-round pick in the 2022 MLB Draft, Anthony had long been regarded as one of baseball’s most promising prospects, and he lived up to the hype.

Across 71 games, he posted a .292 batting average, .396 on-base percentage, .859 OPS, eight home runs and 32 RBIs.

That production was enough for the Red Sox to commit to him long term, finalizing an eight-year, $130 million extension in August.

Unfortunately, Anthony’s rookie campaign ended prematurely when he suffered a left oblique strain, but his performance firmly established him as a piece to build around for the franchise moving forward.

As the 2026 season approaches, Anthony’s health remains a critical factor in determining Boston’s ceiling.

The Red Sox have been busy this offseason, retooling the roster through trades while preserving payroll flexibility to potentially re-sign third basemanAlex Bregman, who has served as a valuable mentor for Anthony.

Anthony was invited to represent Team Italy in the upcoming World Baseball Classic scheduled for March, but on Saturday he told reporters that he has decided not to participate, choosing instead to focus on preparing for the 2026 season and ensuring he enters it at full strength.

Anthony has never played for Team Italy before, and with the tournament held only once every four years, his international debut will now have to wait.

Roman Anthony Steps Into the Spotlight

Anthony’s emergence has taken on even greater importance following third baseman Rafael Devers’ trade to the San Francisco Giants last year.

With the departure of Boston’s longtime offensive anchor, Anthony is now positioned as the new face of the franchise. His youth, production and poise have made him the player the Red Sox will highlight as they move into a new era.

Fans at Fenway Park have already embraced him as a symbol of the team’s future, and the front office views his development and health as central to sustaining playoff contention and building momentum for the seasons ahead.