Red Sox Rookie Roman Anthony Ranked 41st in MLB Network's Top 100 Players List
In a surprise move, the MLB Network has ranked Boston Red Sox rookie Roman Anthony 41st among the league's top 100 players heading into the 2026 season. The 21-year-old phenom is being touted as one of the most promising young talents in baseball.
Despite playing in just 71 games last year due to an oblique strain, Anthony made a lasting impression on the Red Sox organization and fans alike with his impressive rookie campaign. He finished with a .292 batting average, .396 on-base percentage, and .859 OPS, showcasing his exceptional hitting skills and ability to draw walks.
The MLB Network's ranking is closely watched by baseball enthusiasts, and opinions are divided among analysts on whether Anthony deserves his spot in the top 50. Former MLB player and executive Steve Phillips believes that the ranking is a projection of how Anthony will perform this upcoming season, given what he saw during his rookie campaign.
"He had the same on-base percentage as Juan Soto," Phillips said. "The start of his career was very similar to Juan Soto. That's what he is as an offensive player, and he's more athletic."
However, not everyone shares the same optimism. Former MLB catcher Alex Avila thinks that Anthony's sample size is too small and believes that he will be one of the best players in the game.
Comparing him to Juan Soto might be a bit aggressive," Avila said. "He has that type of talent. I think the sample size for where he's at is a little too small. I think he's going to be one of the best players in the game."
Despite the mixed reactions, the Red Sox are thrilled with their investment in Anthony, signing him to an eight-year, $130 million contract extension. With Alex Bregman departing, Anthony will likely be the face of the franchise at just 21 years old.
As Anthony looks to build on his impressive rookie season, he'll have big shoes to fill in Boston. Will he be able to lead the team to the postseason and become the face of the franchise? Only time will tell.
In a surprise move, the MLB Network has ranked Boston Red Sox rookie Roman Anthony 41st among the league's top 100 players heading into the 2026 season. The 21-year-old phenom is being touted as one of the most promising young talents in baseball.
Despite playing in just 71 games last year due to an oblique strain, Anthony made a lasting impression on the Red Sox organization and fans alike with his impressive rookie campaign. He finished with a .292 batting average, .396 on-base percentage, and .859 OPS, showcasing his exceptional hitting skills and ability to draw walks.
The MLB Network's ranking is closely watched by baseball enthusiasts, and opinions are divided among analysts on whether Anthony deserves his spot in the top 50. Former MLB player and executive Steve Phillips believes that the ranking is a projection of how Anthony will perform this upcoming season, given what he saw during his rookie campaign.
"He had the same on-base percentage as Juan Soto," Phillips said. "The start of his career was very similar to Juan Soto. That's what he is as an offensive player, and he's more athletic."
However, not everyone shares the same optimism. Former MLB catcher Alex Avila thinks that Anthony's sample size is too small and believes that he will be one of the best players in the game.
Comparing him to Juan Soto might be a bit aggressive," Avila said. "He has that type of talent. I think the sample size for where he's at is a little too small. I think he's going to be one of the best players in the game."
Despite the mixed reactions, the Red Sox are thrilled with their investment in Anthony, signing him to an eight-year, $130 million contract extension. With Alex Bregman departing, Anthony will likely be the face of the franchise at just 21 years old.
As Anthony looks to build on his impressive rookie season, he'll have big shoes to fill in Boston. Will he be able to lead the team to the postseason and become the face of the franchise? Only time will tell.