The Boston Red Sox are riding a wave of momentum, and their young talent is sending shockwaves through Major League Baseball. At the heart of this surge is Roman Anthony, the consensus number-one prospect in baseball, whose meteoric rise has the league on notice. With a 10-game winning streak heading into the 2025 All-Star break, the Red Sox are no longer a team to overlook, and their All-Stars, alongside manager Alex Cora, are making it clear that Anthony is poised to redefine the franchise’s future. This is a story of a 21-year-old phenom, a team finding its identity, and a bold message to the rest of the MLB: the Red Sox are coming, and Roman Anthony is leading the charge.
Roman Anthony’s journey to the majors has been nothing short of electrifying. Drafted in the second round of the 2022 MLB Draft out of high school, the outfielder has torn through Boston’s farm system with a rare blend of power, speed, and poise. At just 20 years old, he was the youngest player in Triple-A, posting a .305/.419/.514 slash line and a 1.039 OPS through 29 games in 2025. His ability to barrel balls at an elite rate, rivaling the likes of Aaron Judge, has scouts and analysts buzzing. Jac Caglianone, the Kansas City Royals’ top prospect and a friend of Anthony’s, didn’t hesitate to crown him the best in the minors. “I’d have to go with Roman Anthony,” Caglianone said. “He rakes. He’s a good friend of mine, and I love watching him play.” This endorsement from a fellow prospect underscores the respect Anthony commands, even among his peers.
Since his call-up to the majors in June 2025, Anthony has lived up to the hype. Despite a slow start, batting .114 over his first 14 games, he’s since found his groove, slashing .341/.431/.500 over his last 24 contests. His recent performance against the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he went 2-for-2 with two walks, a double, and an RBI, showcased his ability to impact games in multiple ways. A run-producing double in the fifth inning provided crucial insurance in a 4-2 victory, proving he’s not just a prospect but a game-changer. His sliding catch on a ball with only a 25 percent catch probability against the Tampa Bay Rays further highlighted his defensive prowess. This is a player who doesn’t just belong in the majors—he’s ready to dominate.
The Red Sox’s outfield is already stacked with talent, featuring Jarren Duran, Wilyer Abreu, Ceddanne Rafaela, Rob Refsnyder, and Masataka Yoshida. Yet Anthony’s arrival has forced Boston to rethink their lineup. With Marcelo Mayer sidelined by a wrist injury, the team has shifted Rafaela to second base, opening up regular outfield roles for Anthony, Duran, and Abreu. This flexibility speaks to Boston’s depth but also to the undeniable need to make room for their top prospect. Manager Alex Cora has been vocal about the team’s young core, particularly after a dramatic walk-off win against the Rays on July 11. In that game, Mayer led off the ninth, Anthony worked a walk, and Rafaela sealed the victory with a home run. “Think about it, it was Marcelo, Roman, and Rafaela,” Cora said. “That’s pretty young. The future of the organization is bright.” This trio, all under 25, represents a new era for the Red Sox, one that Cora believes can deliver playoff baseball to Fenway Park.
The team’s recent success, including a 10-game winning streak before the All-Star break, has shifted their trajectory. At 51-45, they’ve claimed the American League’s second Wild Card spot, leapfrogging the Tampa Bay Rays. This surge has quieted trade rumors surrounding veterans like Duran and refocused attention on Boston’s youth movement. Assistant GM Paul Toboni emphasized the team’s belief in their roster. “Throughout the whole year, we thought we had a really good team,” Toboni said. “That streak reconfirmed the thought that we had a good team.” The Red Sox’s top-10 OPS rankings in right, center, and left field underscore their offensive firepower, with Anthony’s bat adding another dimension. His .777 OPS in 31 games, despite early struggles, shows a player adapting quickly to the big leagues.
Anthony’s impact extends beyond the stat sheet. His maturity and mindset have impressed coaches and teammates alike. Worcester Red Sox manager Chad Tracy praised Anthony’s ability to handle the ups and downs of a big-league season. “He’s got the maturity to navigate the challenges,” Tracy said, noting Anthony’s ability to rebound from a minor slump in Triple-A. Anthony himself remains unfazed by the pressure of being baseball’s top prospect. “I get to play baseball every single day, so I’m not really worried about it,” he told the Boston Globe’s Alex Speier. “When you start wondering too much about tomorrow or the next week, that’s when you get yourself in trouble.” This level-headedness, combined with his raw talent, makes him a cornerstone for Boston’s future.
The Red Sox’s front office, led by chief baseball officer Craig Breslow, has taken a cautious approach to Anthony’s development. Despite calls from fans to promote him earlier, Breslow emphasized the importance of refining his outfield skills before thrusting him into the majors. “Given his age, there’s still an opportunity for him to develop in the outfield,” Breslow said. This strategy paid off, as Anthony’s defensive improvements have complemented his offensive output. However, his rapid rise has sparked debates about his long-term role. With a crowded outfield and Rafael Devers traded to the San Francisco Giants, Boston has leaned on Anthony to fill the void. Some speculated he could shift to another position, but Breslow shut down that idea, affirming that Anthony’s future is in the outfield.
The Red Sox’s commitment to their young stars is evident in recent extensions for players like Kristian Campbell and Garrett Crochet. Anthony, however, remains focused on the present. When asked about a potential long-term deal, he expressed openness but kept his priorities clear. “I think it’s a matter of how it looks and how it works on both ends,” he said. “I’d love to play here, but I’m focused on finishing this year out and continuing to learn.” This humility, paired with his on-field production, has endeared him to Red Sox fans wary of losing homegrown talent after the Mookie Betts and Devers trades.
Anthony’s choice of jersey number 19 carries symbolic weight. Previously worn by Red Sox legend Fred Lynn, a nine-time All-Star and 1975 MVP, the number has a storied history. Lynn himself endorsed Anthony, posting on X, “The #19 was good for me. Hoping it’s good for Roman, too.” Anthony honored that legacy with a two-run double in his first game wearing the number, signaling that he’s ready to carvevisualize a future where Anthony is not just a star but a perennial All-Star. “Every year I want to be there as a big leaguer,” Anthony said, reflecting on his Futures Game experience in 2024. With his current trajectory, that goal seems not just attainable but inevitable.
As the July 31, 2025, trade deadline approaches, the Red Sox are signaling they’re buyers, not sellers. With Anthony, Mayer, and Rafaela leading a young core, and veterans like Crochet and Alex Bregman providing stability, Boston is poised for a playoff push. Bregman, a recent addition, sees the team’s growth firsthand. “These guys are wanting to learn and get better,” he said. “You can see that in our growth this year.” For the rest of the MLB, the message is clear: Roman Anthony and the Red Sox are not just a threat for 2025—they’re building a dynasty. The question isn’t if Anthony will become an All-Star, but how many times he’ll make the team. For now, the league is on notice, and Fenway Park is buzzing with anticipation.
