Roman Anthony is gearing up for a pivotal season with the Boston Red Sox, and he's arrived in Fort Myers ready to take on the challenge. The young star has bulked up, adding muscle to his 6-foot-3 frame, and he's poised to be a key power source for a Red Sox lineup not expected to hit many home runs in 2026.
Projections suggest the Red Sox might be the only MLB team without a player hitting 20-plus homers next season. Anthony, along with Trevor Story and Wilyer Abreu, is projected to lead the team with 18 home runs, and he boasts the highest projected OPS (.812) among Boston hitters.
The front office's inability to secure another big bat this offseason means Anthony will need to surpass these expectations. But the 21-year-old seems unfazed by the pressure.
“That’s fine. We have so many great players, so I’m not really worried about that at all," Anthony said at Fenway South. "I’m just going to continue to learn from my teammates and find ways to make everyone better."
Anthony's mindset is part of what makes him a cornerstone for Boston’s future. With elite bat speed, advanced plate discipline, and power to all fields, his talent is undeniable.
His calm approach could be as crucial as his on-field production. If the Red Sox are to exceed their modest power projections, it will likely begin with Anthony taking another step forward both mentally and physically.
After dominating in the minors, Anthony made his big-league debut in June, quickly making an impact with a .292/.396/.463 slash line, eight homers, and 32 RBIs in 71 games. His season was cut short by an oblique strain, but he still finished third in the AL Rookie of the Year race.
If he stays healthy in 2026, Anthony could enter the AL MVP conversation. An MVP-caliber season might be essential for the Red Sox to compete in the fierce AL East and aim for a deep playoff run.
While some question the lineup, Anthony is confident in the team. “I think we've got a great squad offensively," he said. "We know what the end goal is, and we’re going to piece it together to make everything work."
As Anthony prepares for his first full season, he’s a crucial player the Red Sox can't afford to lose. His selection for Team USA in the 2026 World Baseball Classic adds excitement but also some anxiety for Sox fans.
The Red Sox are betting on growth, hoping internal development will drive their postseason push. At the heart of this plan is Roman Anthony.
He doesn't need to be perfect, nor does he have to do it alone. But if he continues his upward trajectory, he could be the difference between another disappointing season and October baseball in Boston.
No pressure, kid.