Roman Anthony Set to Join Team USA for World Baseball Classic, Replacing Injured Corbin Carroll
Team USA is turning to one of baseball’s brightest young stars to fill a sudden void in its World Baseball Classic roster. With Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Corbin Carroll sidelined by a broken hamate bone in his right hand, the call has gone out to Boston Red Sox outfielder Roman Anthony.
Pending a routine spring training physical scheduled for Saturday, February 14, Anthony is expected to officially join the Team USA roster. And if all goes as planned, he won’t just be along for the ride-he could be stepping into a major role.
Carroll was originally slated to start in right field, so Anthony, entering just his second MLB season, may find himself thrust into the spotlight on one of baseball’s biggest international stages. It’s a testament to how quickly he’s risen through the ranks-and how much confidence Team USA has in his ability to perform under pressure.
But before he suits up, there’s one hurdle left: Anthony needs medical clearance after dealing with a left oblique strain late in the 2025 season. While there's optimism around his recovery, the physical will ultimately determine if he’s ready to go.
Anthony, who finished third in the AL Rookie of the Year voting last season, isn’t taking this opportunity lightly. “It’d be an honor, for sure,” he said, reflecting on the chance to represent his country.
“When I got news of it, obviously super sad for [Carroll]. You don’t want to see that ever.
But it would be a great opportunity and a great learning lesson for me, to go be around a bunch of the best players in the game.”
That kind of perspective speaks volumes about Anthony’s maturity-and it’s backed up by his performance on the field. In 2025, he posted a .292 batting average and a .396 on-base percentage across 257 at-bats. He racked up 75 hits, eight home runs, and 32 RBIs, establishing himself as one of the most polished young hitters in the league.
Now, he’s on the verge of taking that next step-not just as a player, but as a presence in the game. The World Baseball Classic is loaded with star power and elite competition. If Anthony gets the green light, we’re about to find out how his game stacks up on the international stage.
From a promising rookie campaign in Boston to a potential starting role for Team USA, Roman Anthony’s rise has been fast, but not unexpected. If his bat stays hot and his health checks out, he could be one of the breakout stories of the tournament.