Red Sox Call Up MLB’s Number One Prospect Roman Anthony
The Boston Red Sox have officially called up top prospect Roman Anthony from Triple-A Worcester, effective today, he will be batting 5th. The 21-year-old outfielder, widely regarded as the No. 1 prospect in baseball by outlets like Baseball America and MLB Pipeline, is set to make his highly anticipated Major League debut. The decision comes as the Red Sox, sitting at 31-35 and 4 games back in the wild card race, seek a spark to turn around a season marked by inconsistent offense and defensive miscues. Anthony’s promotion is a bold step, signaling the organization’s belief in his readiness to contribute at the highest level.
Roman Anthony’s journey to the majors has been nothing short of remarkable. Drafted by the Red Sox in the second round (No. 79 overall) of the 2022 MLB Draft out of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida, the left-handed hitter quickly emerged as a cornerstone of Boston’s revamped farm system. In 2024, he slashed .291/.396/.498 with 18 home runs, 65 RBIs, and 21 stolen bases across Double-A and Triple-A, showcasing a rare blend of power, plate discipline, and speed. His stint in Worcester was particularly impressive, with a .344 average and .983 OPS over 35 games last season, and he’s continued to dominate in 2025, posting a .290 average, 10 homers, and a .916 OPS. A recent 497-foot grand slam with a 115.6 mph exit velocity against the Rochester Red Wings underscored his game-changing potential, leaving little doubt he’s ready for the big leagues.
The Red Sox have grappled with a crowded outfield featuring Jarren Duran in left, Ceddanne Rafaela in center, and Wilyer Abreu in right, all of whom have been fixtures in the lineup. However, Anthony’s versatility across all three outfield positions and his superior offensive upside have forced the team’s hand. Manager Alex Cora and chief baseball officer Craig Breslow have hinted at creative solutions to fit him in, with one likely scenario involving Duran shifting to center, Anthony slotting into left, and Rafaela potentially moving to a utility role to leverage his elite defensive skills at second base or shortstop. This adjustment could address Boston’s defensive struggles—ranked fifth-worst in the league in efficiency—while injecting Anthony’s potent bat into a lineup that’s been inconsistent, especially in one-run games where the Sox lead the majors with 15 losses.
Anthony’s call-up isn’t just about immediate impact; it’s a glimpse into the future of the Red Sox. At 21, he’s nearly six years younger than the average Triple-A player, yet his advanced metrics, like a 90th-percentile exit velocity and balanced walk-to-strikeout ratio, mirror those of big leaguers who’ve thrived early. Fans and analysts alike see him as a potential cornerstone alongside fellow prospects Kristian Campbell and Marcelo Mayer, both of whom joined the roster earlier this season. While the timing of his promotion raises questions about service time and the Super Two deadline, the Red Sox appear focused on winning now, hoping Anthony can provide the jolt needed to climb back into playoff contention.
As Roman Anthony steps onto the Fenway Park grass today, the anticipation is palpable. He’s expressed a grounded mindset, emphasizing development and team success over personal pressure, a maturity that belies his age. For a fanbase hungry for optimism amid a challenging 2025 campaign, his debut marks a turning point—a chance to see a prodigy with power, discipline, and defensive flexibility take the stage. Whether he’s hitting mammoth home runs to the Pesky Pole or patrolling the outfield, Anthony’s arrival signals a new chapter for the Red Sox, one where youth and talent might just pave the way to a brighter future.
