Roman Anthony Joins Team USA: Rising Red Sox Star Replaces Corbin Carroll on WBC Roster
Team USA just got a little younger-and a lot more exciting. With Corbin Carroll sidelined due to a broken hamate bone in his right hand, Boston Red Sox outfielder Roman Anthony is stepping in as his replacement on the World Baseball Classic roster.
Pending a physical, Anthony will join a star-studded outfield that already features some serious firepower: Aaron Judge, Byron Buxton, and Pete Crow-Armstrong. It’s a mix of MVP-caliber experience, elite defense, and now, one of baseball’s fastest-rising young bats.
Carroll Out, Anthony In
Carroll’s injury is a tough blow. The Arizona Diamondbacks star underwent surgery recently, and there’s no clear timeline for his return. His absence opens the door for Anthony, who’s coming off a breakout rookie campaign in Boston and now gets a chance to showcase his talent on the international stage.
A Rookie Season That Turned Heads
At just 21 years old, Roman Anthony didn’t just hold his own in the big leagues-he thrived. In 71 games with the Red Sox last season, he slashed .292/.396/.463 with eight home runs and an .859 OPS. But the surface stats only tell part of the story.
Dig a little deeper, and you’ll find Anthony was one of just two hitters in all of Major League Baseball (minimum 300 plate appearances) to post a hard-hit rate north of 55% and a chase rate under 21%. The only other player to do that?
Juan Soto. That’s elite company, and it speaks to Anthony’s rare combination of power and plate discipline-traits that usually take years to develop, not months.
Locked In for the Long Haul
Red Sox fans can breathe easy-Anthony isn’t going anywhere. Boston locked him up with an eight-year, $130 million extension in August, a clear sign that the organization sees him as a cornerstone of their future. It’s the kind of deal that reflects both confidence in his talent and a belief that his best is still to come.
A Familiar Path to the WBC
If this move feels familiar, it’s because we’ve seen something like it before. Back in 2023, a 23-year-old Bobby Witt Jr. made his mark with Team USA during the World Baseball Classic.
Now, it’s Anthony’s turn to step into the spotlight. While he may be the youngest outfielder on the roster, he’s already proven he can handle the big stage-and then some.
For Team USA, adding a player like Anthony isn’t just about filling a roster spot. It’s about injecting youth, energy, and upside into an already loaded lineup. And for Anthony, it’s a chance to represent his country, compete against the world’s best, and continue his rapid ascent in the baseball world.
The stage is set. Now it’s time to see what the kid can do.