Boston Red Sox rookie Roman Anthony is only 21 years old and has played less than two months in the major leagues, but already he’s a fixture and projected to stay in Beantown for a long time.
The rookie on Wednesday signed an 8-year contract extension worth $130 million. The new deal kicks in in 2026, and there are incentives tied to the deal that could bring the deal to as high as $230 million, like if he finishes in first or second place for Rookie of the Year or finishes in the top 10 for the Most Valuable Player Award.
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“I couldn’t think of a better city to play in [for] the next eight to nine years of my life,” Anthony said. “And I’m super excited. I want to thank all the fans who show up every day and continue to support us regardless of the outcome. It’s really just a special place to play and a special place to show up every single day. I couldn’t be more excited for this and couldn’t be more thankful for everyone in this room and everyone who’s helped me get here today.”
BOSTON, MA – JUNE 10: Roman Anthony #19 of the Boston Red Sox celebrates with family after hitting his first Major League Baseball career base hit after the game between the Tampa Bay Rays and the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Natalie Reid/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
Natalie Reid/Getty Images
It’s been one helluva season for Anthony, who less than two months made his major league debut at Fenway Park with his entire family in two, including his big sister, Lia Anthony, who quickly went viral after cameras continually cut to her during and after the game.
After her little brother signed his new deal, Lia took to her Instagram Story and re-posted the Red Sox’s post announcing the signing.
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“So beyond proud of you!!!!” she wrote in her Story with three heart emojis.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – JUNE 10: The family of Roman Anthony #19 of the Boston Red Sox reacts as he steps up to bat during the first inning of a game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Malhotra/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images)
Maddie Malhotra/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images
Roman Anthony’s sister reacts to his new Red Sox deal.
Lia Anthony/Instagram Story
In attendance at Anthony’s major league debut on June 10 were his mom, Lori, who choked back tears watching her son realize his dream. Also there was Anthony’s dad, Anthony (yes, Anthony Anthony), and Anthony’s little brother — you ready? — Anthony (yes, Anthony Anthony Jr.).
The cheering section also included Anthony’s grandparents, uncle, agents and two friends. But it was Lia everyone swooned over, as cameras zeroed in on her and the family sitting next to the Red Sox dugout.
Related: Red Sox Rookie Roman Anthony’s Sister Turns Heads During MLB Attendance
After going viral, Lia told the hosts of the Greg Hill Show that her Instagram following ballooned after the game.
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“Wow, it’s been surreal. I went from having, I think, 3,000 and now I’m at 14,000,” she said. “It’s crazy.”
The hosts asked her if she received a lot of DMs after the game.
“I’ve gotten quite a few DMs since that night,” she said.
Lia now has more than 37,000 followers on Instagram.
Red Sox Rookie Roman Anthony’s Sister Reacts to His Massive New Contract first appeared on Men’s Journal on Aug 7, 2025
