Roman Anthony has quickly found himself under intense scrutiny as he enters his second season in Major League Baseball with the Boston Red Sox. Since making his debut last June and witnessing the departure of third baseman Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants, Anthony is now the team’s primary offensive figure following the offseason free agency exit of veteran Alex Bregman. Signed to an eight-year, $130 million contract during his rookie campaign, Anthony bears significant responsibility to guide a reshaped but still developing Red Sox lineup.
While the team has bolstered its offense by acquiring 33-year-old catcher Willson Contreras, the bulk of the offensive leadership is expected to come from Anthony, who is facing substantial expectations to perform at an MVP level early in his career.
Pressure and Predictions from MLB Insider Erik Kratz
On Thursday, MLB analyst Erik Kratz addressed the mounting pressure placed on Roman Anthony, emphasizing the big task that lies ahead for the young slugger in 2026. Kratz noted that the Red Sox have yet to secure a key supporting bat that could alleviate some of Anthony’s burden.
“They’ve still swung and missed on that final little piece that I think would take pressure off of Roman Anthony,”
Kratz remarked.
“People will say it’s Contreras at first base. I’ll say it’s a nice signing. It’s not that one that, like, they’re right now banking on the fact that Roman Anthony will be an MVP-caliber bat. And this early in his career, that is a lot of pressure.”
Kratz further highlighted the challenge Anthony faces after losing key teammates:
“Can he do it? Absolutely, he can do it. But to make him carry this after you got rid of Devers, after you couldn’t re-sign Bregman, that is a large, large task to be the guy in your second season.”
Anthony’s Rookie Season Performance and Contract Details
During his rookie year, Roman Anthony delivered strong numbers, hitting .292 with eight home runs, 32 RBIs, 75 hits, and drawing 40 walks over 71 games. His performance earned him a finalist spot for the American League Rookie of the Year Award. Notably, if he had finished second in the voting, it would have triggered additional financial incentives due to the terms of his contract with Boston.
Roman Anthony agreed to an extension early in his major league career, committing to Fenway Park for the foreseeable future. His deal included a $5 million signing bonus, coverage of arbitration years, and three years of free agency for a total of $16.25 million, along with a $30 million club option for 2034 when Anthony will be 30 years old.
“When the offer came through, it was something that I wanted to move quick on. There was no doubt that this is where I wanted to play baseball for a long time,”
Anthony said at the time of signing, as reported by the New York Times.
The contract also includes bonuses tied to MVP results, offering Anthony an extra $2 million if he wins the AL MVP award, or $1 million for a second or third-place finish.
Implications for the Red Sox and Anthony’s Career Ahead
With the Red Sox’s core offensive lineup undergoing significant changes, Roman Anthony is positioned to be the pivotal figure in the team’s offense moving forward. His ability to live up to the MVP-level expectations could influence the team’s trajectory in upcoming seasons, particularly as Boston continues to develop around him and their newly added pieces like Willson Contreras.
The pressure on a young player to deliver at this level is immense, but if Anthony can meet these challenges, he could become one of the defining stars for the Red Sox in years to come. The upcoming season will be a crucial test of his talent, resilience, and leadership on the field, setting the stage for what could be a standout career.
Not that he can't do it, but banking on Roman Anthony to be an MVP-caliber bat this early in his career is a huge ask by the Red Sox, says @ErikKratz31.
"That is a lot of pressure on him." pic.twitter.com/bwUGuWhwaL
— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) February 5, 2026
