The Rise of Roman Anthony: A Future Star for the Boston Red Sox
In recent history, the Boston Red Sox have demonstrated a remarkable ability to develop outfielders who were not drafted in the first round into some of the most exciting talents in Major League Baseball. Notable examples include Mookie Betts, selected in the fifth round of the 2011 draft, and Jarren Duran, a seventh-round pick in 2018, both of whom have ascended into conversations about elite outfielders in the league. Now, the spotlight is on a new prospect making waves: 20-year-old Roman Anthony, who is generating unprecedented hype often reserved for established MLB legends.
From High School Sensation to Professional Prospect
Roman Anthony emerged as a standout player while attending Stoneman Douglas High School in South Florida. His stature at 6'3" and 190 lbs, combined with his remarkable double-plus raw power, made him a highly sought-after recruit. Nationally recognized as the 14th best prep player in the United States in 2022, he boasted an astounding senior year batting average of .520, along with 10 home runs over just 32 games, leading to a phenomenal OPS of 1.569.
Despite pre-draft expectations that he might go in the first round, Anthony was ultimately selected 79th overall by the Red Sox in the second round. This selection now appears to be a stroke of genius, as the team had to invest nearly triple the recommended slot value by signing him for $2.5 million to dissuade him from a commitment to the University of Mississippi.
Early Career and Development
In 2022, the Red Sox assigned Anthony to rookie ball, where he performed commendably during a brief stint, hitting .306 while driving in 12 runs and maintaining a disciplined approach by walking more often than he struck out. By entering 2023, he was already recognized as the ninth-best prospect in the Red Sox organization.
Despite facing older competition at Single-A Salem, his performance was labeled as impressive by scouts. Although his numbers may not stand out at first glance—hitting .228 with a .693 OPS—he demonstrated significant growth in exit velocities and plate discipline, which led to the team promoting him to High-A Greenville mid-season. It was in Greenville where Anthony truly found his rhythm, batting .294 with a remarkable OPS of .981, while showcasing the power that scouts had forecasted since his high school days.
The Red Sox continued to invest in Anthony by promoting him to Double-A Portland for the final ten games of the season. At just 19 years old, he became the youngest Red Sox player to compete at that level since Xander Bogaerts. Not only did he hold his own, but he also excelled, posting an impressive OPS of 1.020 and finishing his inaugural full professional season with a batting average of .272 and an OPS of .869 across 106 games.
His impressive performance earned him the title of Red Sox Minor League Player of the Year. By season's end, Anthony had risen to the 19th overall prospect ranking in all of baseball—a remarkable leap from not being recognized within the top 100 to becoming one of the most talked-about young talents in the league.
Entering the 2024 season, expectations for Roman Anthony continued to escalate. This time, he not only met these expectations but surpassed them, ultimately being crowned the number one prospect in all of baseball, a distinction last held by Red Sox player Andrew Benintendi.
Starting the season in Double-A Portland, Anthony played effectively across 84 games, amassing a .269 batting average and 38 extra-base hits. His final stretch in Portland showcased his potential; in an 11-game surge, he hit over .400 with four home runs. This performance secured him a promotion to Triple-A Worcester, where he again excelled, boasting a .344 average and OPS nearing 1.000 over 35 games.
Over the entirety of the season spanning both levels, Anthony achieved a .291 average, hit 18 home runs, and stole 21 bases, all while maintaining a keen eye at the plate with a near 177% walk rate.
Future Prospects and Lasting Impact
Defensively, while initially drafted as a center fielder, Anthony has exceeded expectations by continuing to play the position effectively, further cementing his value to the Red Sox organization. As he approaches his 21st birthday, the Red Sox are rumored to have significant interest in securing a long-term deal with him, mirroring the successful strategy employed by the Milwaukee Brewers with their young superstar Jackson Chourio.
Roman Anthony's dynamic talent and impressive trajectory position him as a potential cornerstone for the Red Sox in the coming years. With a cadre of top 100 prospects now bolstering the organization—six of whom lie within the top 100 and four in the top 25—the future looks bright for Boston's baseball franchise as they continue to nurture their pipeline of young talent, with Anthony poised to be at the forefront of this exciting era.
Part 1/8:
The Rise of Roman Anthony: A Future Star for the Boston Red Sox
In recent history, the Boston Red Sox have demonstrated a remarkable ability to develop outfielders who were not drafted in the first round into some of the most exciting talents in Major League Baseball. Notable examples include Mookie Betts, selected in the fifth round of the 2011 draft, and Jarren Duran, a seventh-round pick in 2018, both of whom have ascended into conversations about elite outfielders in the league. Now, the spotlight is on a new prospect making waves: 20-year-old Roman Anthony, who is generating unprecedented hype often reserved for established MLB legends.
From High School Sensation to Professional Prospect
Part 2/8:
Roman Anthony emerged as a standout player while attending Stoneman Douglas High School in South Florida. His stature at 6'3" and 190 lbs, combined with his remarkable double-plus raw power, made him a highly sought-after recruit. Nationally recognized as the 14th best prep player in the United States in 2022, he boasted an astounding senior year batting average of .520, along with 10 home runs over just 32 games, leading to a phenomenal OPS of 1.569.
Part 3/8:
Despite pre-draft expectations that he might go in the first round, Anthony was ultimately selected 79th overall by the Red Sox in the second round. This selection now appears to be a stroke of genius, as the team had to invest nearly triple the recommended slot value by signing him for $2.5 million to dissuade him from a commitment to the University of Mississippi.
Early Career and Development
In 2022, the Red Sox assigned Anthony to rookie ball, where he performed commendably during a brief stint, hitting .306 while driving in 12 runs and maintaining a disciplined approach by walking more often than he struck out. By entering 2023, he was already recognized as the ninth-best prospect in the Red Sox organization.
Part 4/8:
Despite facing older competition at Single-A Salem, his performance was labeled as impressive by scouts. Although his numbers may not stand out at first glance—hitting .228 with a .693 OPS—he demonstrated significant growth in exit velocities and plate discipline, which led to the team promoting him to High-A Greenville mid-season. It was in Greenville where Anthony truly found his rhythm, batting .294 with a remarkable OPS of .981, while showcasing the power that scouts had forecasted since his high school days.
Competing at Double-A Level
Part 5/8:
The Red Sox continued to invest in Anthony by promoting him to Double-A Portland for the final ten games of the season. At just 19 years old, he became the youngest Red Sox player to compete at that level since Xander Bogaerts. Not only did he hold his own, but he also excelled, posting an impressive OPS of 1.020 and finishing his inaugural full professional season with a batting average of .272 and an OPS of .869 across 106 games.
His impressive performance earned him the title of Red Sox Minor League Player of the Year. By season's end, Anthony had risen to the 19th overall prospect ranking in all of baseball—a remarkable leap from not being recognized within the top 100 to becoming one of the most talked-about young talents in the league.
The 2024 Season: Living Up to Expectations
Part 6/8:
Entering the 2024 season, expectations for Roman Anthony continued to escalate. This time, he not only met these expectations but surpassed them, ultimately being crowned the number one prospect in all of baseball, a distinction last held by Red Sox player Andrew Benintendi.
Starting the season in Double-A Portland, Anthony played effectively across 84 games, amassing a .269 batting average and 38 extra-base hits. His final stretch in Portland showcased his potential; in an 11-game surge, he hit over .400 with four home runs. This performance secured him a promotion to Triple-A Worcester, where he again excelled, boasting a .344 average and OPS nearing 1.000 over 35 games.
Part 7/8:
Over the entirety of the season spanning both levels, Anthony achieved a .291 average, hit 18 home runs, and stole 21 bases, all while maintaining a keen eye at the plate with a near 177% walk rate.
Future Prospects and Lasting Impact
Defensively, while initially drafted as a center fielder, Anthony has exceeded expectations by continuing to play the position effectively, further cementing his value to the Red Sox organization. As he approaches his 21st birthday, the Red Sox are rumored to have significant interest in securing a long-term deal with him, mirroring the successful strategy employed by the Milwaukee Brewers with their young superstar Jackson Chourio.
Part 8/8:
Roman Anthony's dynamic talent and impressive trajectory position him as a potential cornerstone for the Red Sox in the coming years. With a cadre of top 100 prospects now bolstering the organization—six of whom lie within the top 100 and four in the top 25—the future looks bright for Boston's baseball franchise as they continue to nurture their pipeline of young talent, with Anthony poised to be at the forefront of this exciting era.