Can a 21-year-old phenom truly crack the top 5% of MLB players in just his second season? That's the bold question ESPN is asking after ranking Boston Red Sox star Roman Anthony a shocking No. 33 in their 2026 player rankings. This comes after a polarizing offseason for the Red Sox, who, despite mixed reactions to their moves, are entering the new campaign with sky-high expectations. Why? A core of young, homegrown talent is poised to explode onto the scene, led by the electrifying Anthony.
Anthony burst onto the national stage last year, entering the season as baseball's top prospect. He backed up the hype with a stellar 71-game debut, slashing .292 with eight home runs and 32 RBIs before an oblique injury cut his season short. Now, with a full season ahead of him, ESPN's ranking signals that the baseball world is taking notice. But here's where it gets controversial: Is No. 33 too high for a player with just a partial season under his belt?
Jeff Passan of ESPN thinks not. He highlights Anthony's elite bat speed, ranking him among the hardest hitters in the game last season, trailing only powerhouses like Oneil Cruz, Aaron Judge, and Shohei Ohtani. Passan also praises Anthony's disciplined eye at the plate, noting his impressive walk rate. While leading off for the Red Sox might seem like a surprising role for such a powerful hitter, it speaks volumes about the team's confidence in his ability to get on base consistently.
The Red Sox certainly believe in Anthony's potential, locking him up with an eight-year, $130 million contract extension last August. This long-term commitment solidifies his place as a cornerstone of the franchise for years to come. And this is the part most people miss: Anthony isn't just a power hitter; he's a complete player with the potential to impact the game in multiple ways.
The pressure is on for Anthony to live up to these lofty expectations, especially after representing Team USA in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Can he lead the Red Sox back to the playoffs for a second consecutive year? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain: Roman Anthony is a name baseball fans will be hearing for a long, long time.
What do you think? Is ESPN's ranking of Roman Anthony justified, or is it too soon to place him among the game's elite? Let us know in the comments below!
