Boston Red Sox
Anthony has just 71 games under his belt, but his potential has put him in conversation with the game’s elite outfielders.
Roman Anthony Photo by: Barry Chin/Globe Staff
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Roman Anthony made a splash in the Red Sox’ outfield as a rookie last season, and now an MLB insider is ranking him as one of the top players at his position.
According to Buster Olney’s latest position rankings, Anthony is No. 7 in MLB among corner outfielders.
New York’s Aaron Judge, ranked No. 1 overall, was the only corner outfielder in the American League listed higher than Anthony.
“Boston manager Alex Cora has already announced that he intends to keep Anthony in the leadoff spot, a nod to his ability to get on base,” Olney wrote. “He had a .396 OBP in his rookie season — and to give him as many plate appearances as possible.
“Some evaluators believe that the Red Sox would be best served to keep Anthony in center field, but Cora is blessed with an abundance of outfield riches, with Ceddanne Rafaela patrolling center field, Gold Glover Wilyer Abreu in right and Jarren Duran in left.”
Olney began the list with a series of quotes about Anthony. There were texts from Chipper Jones raving about Anthony’s potential.
“There is a ton of talent there,” Jones wrote. “I see a .300 hitter with home run talent. With more consistent contact, you have a perennial All-Star.”
There was former MLB GM JP Ricciardi saying that Anthony is “going to go down as one of the greatest Red Sox ever” as long as he stays healthy. A pair of talent evaluators each mentioned Anthony’s instincts at the plate.
Anthony played 71 games last season before an oblique strain cut his rookie season short. He slashed .292/.386/.463 and clubbed eight home runs while driving in 32 runs.
With one season of his Red Sox career under his belt, Anthony has entered the conversation among the best corner outfielders in the league, and it’s not yet entirely clear whether that’s even the best spot for him.
“Anthony started 32 games in right field last year, 17 in left and another 17 games at DH. But his best position, some evaluators say, is in center,” Olney wrote. “‘He really does have incredible instincts out there,’ said one, before mentioning that Anthony would benefit from playing as much as possible and collecting experience in Fenway’s quirky center field.”
Khari A. Thompson
Khari Thompson covers professional sports for Boston.com. Before joining the team in 2022, Khari covered college football for The Clarion Ledger in Jackson, Miss.
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