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3d ago

Red Sox Lock Up Rookie Roman Anthony in Record Eight-Year Extension

The record-setting pact highlights Boston’s shift toward cost-controlled homegrown talent, prompting scrutiny over locking up an unproven rookie long-term

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - AUGUST 01: Roman Anthony #19 of the Boston Red Sox hits a walk-off single against the Houston Astros during the tenth inning at Fenway Park on August 01, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - AUGUST 06: Masataka Yoshida #7 of the Boston Red Sox hits a ground out to center during the seventh inning of a game against the Kansas City Royals at Fenway Park on August 06, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts.
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FORT MYERS, FLORIDA - March 12: Roman Anthony #48 of the Boston Red Sox reacts with Alex Bregman #2 of the Boston Red Sox as they warm up before a Grapefruit League game against the Minnesota Twins at JetBlue Park at Fenway South on March 12, 2025 in Fort Myers, Florida. (Photo by Maddie Malhotra/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images)

Overview

  • Boston announced an eight-year, $130 million extension with Roman Anthony on August 7, including a club option for 2034 and performance-based escalators that could boost the deal to $230 million.
  • Anthony has logged just 46 major league games, hitting .283/.400/.428 with two home runs and 19 RBIs, making his rookie-season guarantee the largest ever for a player so inexperienced.
  • Chief baseball officer Craig Breslow defended the extension as part of Boston’s strategic pivot to cost-controlled, homegrown talent after trading veteran Rafael Devers midseason.
  • Former GM Jim Bowden and other analysts have questioned the timing and value of the long-term commitment with Anthony potentially leaving significant earnings on the table.
  • The extension tightens payroll flexibility and is likely to accelerate decisions on established hitters and outfielders like Alex Bregman, Jarren Duran and Masataka Yoshida.