BOSTON — The Boston Red Sox secured their outfield future Wednesday, finalizing an eight-year, $130 million contract extension with rookie sensation Roman Anthony, first reported by ESPN’s Jeff Passan. The extension includes a club option for 2034 and escalators that could push its value to $230 million. The agreement, pending a physical, begins in 2026 and keeps the 21-year-old under team control through his age-30 season.
Report: Roman Anthony Signs Eight-Year Extension with Red Sox
Breaking: Outfielder Roman Anthony and the Boston Red Sox are finalizing an eight-year, $130 million contract extension, sources tell @JeffPassan. The deal, which is pending a physical, includes a club option and will keep Anthony under team control through 2034.
Get breaking… pic.twitter.com/VJqrGAMyyA
— ESPN (@espn) August 6, 2025
Anthony’s Rapid Rise
Anthony, a second-round pick in 2022, debuted on June 9 after dominating Triple-A as baseball’s unanimous No. 1 prospect. In his first 14 games, the rookie hit .114/.278/.227 (.505 OPS), an underwhelming start for a player whose arrival in the bigs was anticipated for months. But Anthony has turned a corner, slashing .330/.444/.485 (.929 OPS) since July 1. He has a 161 wRC+ for those into advanced statistics. Overall, in 46 games, his triple slash is .283/.400/.428 (.828 OPS). Moreover, his elite plate discipline is evident, with a 19.3 chase percentage and 13.7 walk rate. Defensively, Anthony has excelled in the outfield corners, primarily in right field. Statcast credits him with four outs above average (OAA), while defensive runs saved (DRS) rates him with five. Strong instincts and a slightly above-average arm (85.4 mph, 58th percentile) confirm Anthony’s role as a long-term corner outfielder.
Roman Anthony walks it off for the Red Sox!
(via @MLB)pic.twitter.com/kfFyOdfnyl
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) August 2, 2025
Strategic Fit in Boston’s Vision
Consequently, this extension aligns with Boston’s aggressive strategy under President of Baseball Operations (PBO) Craig Breslow. For instance, the Red Sox signed Ceddanne Rafaela (eight years, $50 million), Kristian Campbell (eight years, $60 million), Brayan Bello (six years, $55 million), and Garrett Crochet (six years, $160 million) to long-term deals over the past year. Anthony’s contract, the third-largest for a player with under one year of service time, mirrors Corbin Carroll’s $111 million deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2023.
Risks and Rewards
However, Breslow’s decision carries some risk. Anthony’s power thus far is lacking, with two home runs in his young career, but the power is still developing at the major league level. Nevertheless, his .828 OPS has fueled Boston to a 32-16 record since his call (.625%). Anthony’s growth into his protected power will determine if this deal becomes a bargain or a burden. Ultimately, Breslow’s bold move secures a potential superstar, ensuring stability for Boston’s playoff chase. The Red Sox currently sit at 64-51, riding a seven-game winning streak, and a season-best 13 games over .500. Holding the top spot in the AL Wild Card race, Boston has its sights set on the division now, trailing only three games behind the Toronto Blue Jays.
Roman Anthony hits his first home run at Fenway Park! pic.twitter.com/pr5V8to5uK
— MLB (@MLB) July 8, 2025
Main Photo Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
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