Over the past several days, MLB Network has gradually unveiled segments of its annual Top 100 Players Right Now list ahead of the 2026 Major League Baseball season, drawing widespread attention across the baseball world.

As expected, the rankings have sparked debate and discussion, particularly among fan bases eager to see how their teams’ stars are evaluated entering a new competitive year.

For the Boston Red Sox, the countdown has already delivered several notable mentions, reinforcing the perception that Boston is building a roster with both experience and emerging talent.

Veteran closer Aroldis Chapman appeared at number 84, while starting pitcher Ranger Suarez was ranked 79th on the list.

Outfielder Jarren Duran followed by landing at number 58, a reflection of his continued growth and importance within Boston’s everyday lineup.

Yet even with those respectable placements, few expected the Red Sox to place a fourth player inside the Top 100 so high, especially one with limited Major League experience.

That surprise arrived Thursday night when MLB Network revealed that 21 year old outfielder Roman Anthony had been ranked 41st overall.

The announcement immediately sent shockwaves through Red Sox Nation, as Anthony played only 71 games during the 2025 season following his midseason call up.

Despite that limited sample size, MLB Network’s ranking suggests league wide belief that Anthony has already established himself among baseball’s elite talents.

Entering 2025 as MLB’s top overall prospect, Anthony wasted little time validating that status once he reached the Major League level.

From the moment he joined the Red Sox in June, Anthony looked comfortable against big league pitching, displaying advanced plate discipline and consistent quality contact.

That immediate impact is precisely why MLB Network’s evaluators felt comfortable placing him ahead of dozens of established veterans across the league.

During the 2025 season, Anthony posted a .292 batting average while contributing eight home runs and 32 runs batted in over his 71 games.

He added 18 doubles, one triple, and drew 40 walks, demonstrating an approach at the plate rarely seen from a player his age.

Anthony also produced 3.1 wins above replacement, an especially impressive figure considering he appeared in fewer than half of a full season.

To put that in perspective, many everyday players struggle to reach three WAR across an entire 162 game schedule.

Anthony’s offensive efficiency was further highlighted by his 140 OPS plus, placing him well above league average during his rookie campaign.

His slash line of .396 on base percentage, .463 slugging percentage, and .859 OPS underscored how consistently he reached base and drove the ball.

Perhaps most impressive was his seamless transition into the leadoff role, where he quickly became a fixture atop Boston’s lineup.

Batting first in the order placed additional pressure on Anthony to set the tone, yet he responded with maturity and confidence beyond his years.

When his 71 game performance is extrapolated across a full season, the numbers become even more staggering.

Over 162 games, Anthony’s pace projects to approximately 7.2 WAR, a level typically reserved for MVP caliber seasons.

That projection would include roughly 171 hits, 41 doubles, two triples, and 18 home runs, alongside 73 RBIs and nine stolen bases.

Those totals would firmly place Anthony among the most productive outfielders in baseball, especially given his age and developmental trajectory.

The what if scenario naturally follows, raising questions about what his numbers could have looked like had he broken camp with the team in April.

Instead, Boston opted for a measured approach, allowing Anthony additional development time before unleashing him midseason.

Regardless, his arrival changed the complexion of the Red Sox lineup almost immediately.

MLB Network’s high ranking reflects more than just raw numbers, signaling strong belief in Anthony’s sustainability and future growth.

Evaluators clearly see him not as a short term flash, but as a cornerstone player capable of anchoring Boston’s offense for years.

For the Red Sox organization, Anthony represents a significant win in player development and scouting.

The Florida native has quickly gone from top prospect to franchise centerpiece, a transition few players manage so rapidly.

Boston now appears poised to build around Anthony as a foundational piece, particularly as the team seeks long term stability in the outfield.

Fenway Park seems destined to be his home for the foreseeable future, with expectations that he will remain in Boston for at least the next eight seasons.

That future optimism was reinforced earlier in the week when Anthony received another notable projection.

Bleacher Report Walk Off included Anthony among its predictions for first time All Stars in the 2026 season.

The selection further validated league wide belief that Anthony’s rookie performance was only the beginning.

An All Star nod would mark a major milestone in Anthony’s career, especially in just his second full season at the Major League level.

Given his current trajectory, that possibility feels less speculative and more inevitable.

Anthony is already penciled in as Boston’s leadoff hitter by manager Alex Cora heading into Spring Training.

That level of trust reflects both Anthony’s offensive profile and his consistency against all types of pitching.

If he opens the 2026 season strong and improves upon his 2025 numbers, All Star consideration could arrive quickly.

His balanced splits against left handed and right handed pitching strengthen his case even further.

Against lefties, Anthony hit .278 in 98 plate appearances, posting a .337 on base percentage and .443 slugging percentage.

When facing right handed pitchers, he elevated his production even higher, hitting .299 across 205 plate appearances.

His slash line against righties of .424 on base, .479 slugging, and .903 OPS illustrates his adaptability and advanced hitting approach.

Those splits suggest that opposing managers will find it difficult to exploit matchup advantages against him.

With several months between Opening Day and All Star voting, Anthony will have ample opportunity to separate himself from his peers.

If he maintains even a portion of his rookie efficiency, he should be firmly in the conversation among American League outfielders.

Predicting Roman Anthony as a 2026 All Star feels more like a logical conclusion than an optimistic gamble.

Ultimately, his All Star candidacy will depend on sustained production and health, but the foundation is clearly in place.

For Red Sox fans, Anthony’s rise has injected excitement and optimism into a franchise eager for its next generational star.

Whether through awards, rankings, or postseason impact, Roman Anthony appears ready to define the next chapter of baseball in Boston.