Roman Anthony: A Rising Star for the Boston Red Sox, Forged by Travel Baseball

Boston Red Sox fans are quickly becoming enamored with Roman Anthony, and it’s easy to see why. Once a second-round pick in the 2022 MLB Draft, Anthony has skyrocketed to prominence, emerging as one of the most exciting young players in Major League Baseball. His meteoric rise culminated in a third-place finish in the American League Rookie of the Year voting last year, despite only playing 71 games. His early success earned him a massive show of faith from the Red Sox, who extended him for eight years and $130 million in August—a deal that could grow even larger if he continues to perform at an MVP-caliber level.

While Anthony’s talent on the field is undeniable, there’s more to his story than just raw skill. One key factor in his rapid development is the foundation laid by his time with the Canes National travel baseball team, which helped shape him into the player he is today.

The Crucible of Amateur Baseball: Canes National

Roman Anthony’s journey to the big leagues began long before his debut in Boston. During his high school years, he played for the Canes National travel team, a prestigious program known for developing top-tier talent. For four years, Anthony honed his skills alongside some of the best young players in the country. The program’s focus wasn’t just on improving individual performance—it instilled professional habits that would later help Anthony thrive at the highest level of baseball.

Matt Brandon of Minor League Baseball On SI recently highlighted how the Canes National program set Anthony and other players up for success. “The true measure of an amateur team isn’t how many players get drafted; it’s how many influence the highest levels of the sport,” Brandon wrote. “Roman Anthony offered the clearest proof. At 21, he jumped straight into the big leagues and didn’t just survive. He thrived.”

Indeed, Anthony made an immediate impact in the MLB, with standout moments such as hitting shots off the iconic Green Monster. His ability to transition so seamlessly into the majors and secure a major contract early in his career is a testament to the solid foundation he received during his time with the Canes.

The Mentorship of Jeff Petty and the Canes Baseball Legacy

The success of players like Anthony is also a reflection of the mentorship provided by Jeff Petty, the founder of Canes Baseball. Petty’s commitment to maintaining relationships with his alumni is a cornerstone of the program’s success. “It’s incredibly humbling to be part of so many young players’ amateur careers,” Petty told Brandon. “The relationship with the player is more important than any result. Staying in touch long after they leave, checking on them, going to see them play—that matters. We want them to know we care about them as human beings, not just as players.”

This relationship-based approach has played a key role in Anthony’s development, and it’s something Red Sox fans will come to appreciate even more as he continues to mature as a player. The lessons learned from Petty and the Canes National team have helped shape Anthony into a player who is not only capable of succeeding at the MLB level but one who can thrive and make an immediate impact.

Anthony’s Growing Role with the Red Sox

As the 2026 season approaches, it’s clear that Roman Anthony will play an even more significant role in the Red Sox lineup. With the departure of veteran third baseman Alex Bregman, the team will be looking for players like Anthony to step up and take on a leadership role. Given his early success and the faith the Red Sox have shown in him, it’s likely that Anthony will continue to be a key contributor to the team’s offense and overall success.

The combination of Anthony’s raw talent, his professional habits forged through his time with the Canes National team, and the mentorship he’s received from Jeff Petty sets him up for a long and successful career. Red Sox fans are only beginning to scratch the surface of what Anthony can do, and as he continues to grow, his impact on the team is sure to become even more profound.

For now, the excitement surrounding Roman Anthony’s future is palpable, and as the 2026 season unfolds, it’s likely that Boston will become even more grateful for the foundation laid by the Canes National program and the hard work of Jeff Petty.