FORT MYERS, Fla. – Roman Anthony, a promising young outfielder for the Boston Red Sox, is set to have a physical examination on Saturday to determine his eligibility to compete for Team USA in the upcoming World Baseball Classic next month. This evaluation comes as a response to the injury of Corbin Carroll, an Arizona Diamondbacks standout who suffered a hamate bone injury and will miss the tournament.
Sources have revealed that Anthony was among Team USA’s prime choices to replace Carroll, a decision that could impact the squad’s lineup beginning March 6 in Houston. The World Baseball Classic is poised to run through March 17, culminating with the championship in Miami. Anthony’s participation hinges on this physical clearance, especially since the Red Sox’s 2026 MLB season opens on March 26 in Cincinnati.
Team USA’s Initial Hesitation and Supporting Roster Details
Despite the Red Sox outfielder’s initial decision to skip the Classic, the strong expectation that Team USA will contend deeply this year has put the opportunity back in focus. The disappointment of last year’s defeat to Japan at the 2023 WBC continues to fuel the nation’s drive for redemption.
Alongside Anthony, left-handed pitcher Garrett Crochet, another highly regarded Red Sox player, was also considered a top candidate but has opted out of the event. The Boston club has a significant presence across various teams in the tournament, fielding 14 major and minor league players on 13 of the 20 participating squads.
Boston Red Sox Players Representing Multiple Nations
Masataka Yoshida will seek his second consecutive gold medal with Team Japan, while Jarren Duran returns to compete for Team Mexico after representing them in 2023. Brayan Bello and Ceddanne Rafaela are slated to make their World Baseball Classic debuts for the Dominican Republic and the Netherlands, respectively. Additionally, left-hander Jovani Morán will play under Team Puerto Rico’s banner.
Team Italy, which includes Red Sox right-hander Greg Weissert, previously attempted to recruit Anthony as well, highlighting the multifaceted international makeup of the Red Sox contingent in the Classic.
Heavy Red Sox Representation on Team Venezuela
Team Venezuela boasts three prominent Red Sox members: right fielder Wilyer Abreu, first baseman Willson Contreras, and left-handed pitcher Ranger Suárez. Catcher Carlos Narváez had hoped to join as well but was denied insurance clearance due to a history of injuries, which included meniscus surgery last October.
Garrett Whitlock Also Included on Team USA Roster
Should Anthony get cleared to join, he will not be the only Red Sox player on Team USA. Veteran right-handed pitcher Garrett Whitlock received an unexpected call this winter from Team USA’s manager, Mark DeRosa. Initially mistaking it for spam while watching football in bed, Whitlock soon realized the invitation was genuine.
“I’ve wanted to do this since I was a kid, play for any of the USA teams,”
Whitlock said,
“and was never good enough to have that opportunity. So the fact that they asked me this time, I was honored.”
– Garrett Whitlock, Red Sox Pitcher
“I remember just hanging up the phone call and just kind of like, leaning back in bed and just looking at my wife,”
Whitlock recounted,
“being like, ‘Oh my gosh, is that real, or did I just dream that?’”
– Garrett Whitlock, Red Sox Pitcher
Timing and Implications for the Red Sox and WBC
The timing of the World Baseball Classic, with its start on March 6 and conclusion on March 17, places it just weeks ahead of the baseball season’s commencement on March 26. The Red Sox face decisions balancing players’ health and availability, especially considering the physical demands of the tournament and the necessity of their athletes being ready for the MLB campaign.
For Roman Anthony, passing Saturday’s physical could mark a significant moment in his career, giving him the chance to represent the United States on an international stage and further enhance his profile. Meanwhile, Team USA aims to improve on its runner-up finish last year and contend for the title with a roster bolstered by fresh Red Sox talent.
The mix of international players from the Red Sox organization across various national teams adds another layer of intrigue as the World Baseball Classic approaches, showcasing the global talent pipeline fueling professional baseball’s growth worldwide.
