Red Sox Star Being Considered for Team USA After Corbin Carroll Injury

The Boston Red Sox are deep into spring training, but international intrigue is brewing as the 2026 World Baseball Classic heats up and rosters begin to take shape.
A late twist came this week when Arizona Diamondbacks star Corbin Carroll was ruled out of the WBC with a broken hamate bone, forcing Team USA to search for a replacement in the outfield.

With Carroll’s absence leaving a significant hole on the American roster, MLB Network insider Jon Morosi reported that a slew of talented players are under consideration to fill his spot — including a young Red Sox outfielder who has quickly become one of Boston’s most exciting stars.

Among the names being discussed as possible replacements for Carroll are Steven Kwan, Tyler Soderstrom, Riley Greene, Roman Anthony, James Wood, Wyatt Langford and Kyle Stowers, giving Team USA several options with a mix of youth and big‑league experience.

At just 21 years old, Roman Anthony has burst onto the scene since his MLB debut in 2025, posting a .292 batting average with eight home runs and showing the kind of offensive upside that has fans buzzing about his future.
His ability to get on base and his dynamic bat speed make him a tantalizing option for Team USA — especially in a tournament where every hit matters and depth can make or break a championship run.

Team USA already boasts a loaded outfield corps with names like Aaron Judge, Pete Crow‑Armstrong and Byron Buxton, but adding Anthony would inject even more youth and energy into a lineup that many analysts believe is championship‑ready.
That’s especially true given the absence of Carroll, who was expected to be a difference‑maker with his plus‑speed, power combo and all‑around offensive threat before suffering his injury.

There are, however, a few complexities surrounding Anthony’s potential selection.
Insurance considerations due to a 2025 oblique injury may complicate his eligibility or timing, since players called up as replacements are often subject to different financial and medical protocols.
Nonetheless, sources suggest Team USA officials are evaluating every possible angle before making a final decision, aware that replacing a talent like Carroll is no easy feat.

If Anthony is ultimately chosen and accepts, it would mean one of the youngest players on Team USA’s radar would get a chance to shine on one of the biggest global stages in baseball — an opportunity that could accelerate his development and further elevate his national profile.
The WBC is known for showcasing elite talent from across the globe, and a strong performance there could boost Anthony’s stock as one of the future faces of Major League Baseball.

For the Red Sox, the possibility of losing Anthony — even temporarily — would come at a time when their outfield depth is already stretched.
Boston has multiple key players already committed to national teams for the WBC, including Jarren Duran (Mexico), Wilyer Abreu (Venezuela) and Ceddanne Rafaela (Netherlands), meaning Anthony’s departure could challenge the club to reconfigure its lineup during spring games and early 2026 competition.
This scenario could test the organization’s depth and force manager Alex Cora to lean on younger or less experienced players to fill gaps during Anthony’s absence.

While there has been no official announcement yet from USA Baseball or Team USA regarding a final replacement for Carroll, Anthony’s name remains one of the most compelling options under consideration.
The Red Sox star’s combination of offensive skill, athleticism and youth sets him apart from many candidates — particularly in a setting where speed, discipline and timely hitting are at a premium.

Fans and analysts alike are watching closely, as Team USA attempts to rebound and capture the WBC title after falling just short in previous tournaments.
A decision to add Anthony could resonate not just for his home ballclub in Boston, but for the entire baseball world, giving a rising star an international platform to make his mark.

The coming weeks will likely bring further clarification as spring training continues and roster moves are finalized ahead of the global showcase in early March.

Whether or not Anthony ultimately earns the call to represent Team USA, one thing is certain: his name being in the conversation highlights just how quickly he’s made an impact in the big leagues — and how highly he’s regarded as both a player and a potential international contributor at a very young age.