Major League Baseball team, the Red Sox, seal an 8-year contract worth $130 million with fresh star talent, Roman Anthony.
In a significant move for the Boston Red Sox, the team has signed second-round pick Roman Anthony to an eight-year, $130 million extension, potentially escalating up to $230 million. This deal, finalized in early August 2025, reflects the team's commitment to building a strong core of young, homegrown players [1][3].
Anthony, a high-average, high-on-base slugger projected to develop power in a corner outfield role, is now under contract through 2034. He joins other key young players like Garrett Crochet, Ceddanne Rafaela, Brayan Bello, Kristian Campbell, and Marcelo Mayer—all signed long-term through or beyond 2030 [1][2].
This strategic locking-in of young talent marks a shift under Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow's leadership since 2023. The Red Sox front office aims to avoid losing players in free agency by locking them up early, fostering continuity, and re-energizing the fanbase after previous disappointments [2].
Sam Kennedy, the team president, acknowledged that the unsteady roster has been difficult for fans, who often buy their favorite players' jerseys only to see them leave. He believes that the Red Sox's failure to sign homegrown players in the past has hurt the team [4]. However, with the signing of Anthony and others, Kennedy is optimistic that the Red Sox are headed in the right direction [5].
Since Anthony's call-up in June, the Red Sox have enjoyed a 32-16 record, including a 10-game winning streak and seven straight wins at the time of his contract signing [6]. In 46 games, Anthony has batted .283 with two homers and 19 RBIs [6].
Anthony expressed excitement about the young talent and mix of veteran players on the Red Sox team. Garrett Crochet, acquired in a trade and signed to an extension to stay with the Red Sox until 2031, echoed similar sentiments [7].
This long-term foundation-building approach is part of the Red Sox's strategy to cement a competitive nucleus and improve stability and performance for years to come [1][2]. Kennedy encourages fans to fall in love with the Red Sox's stars, as many of them will be around for a long time [5].
The Red Sox have made significant strides in signing their homegrown talent, a key factor in the team's success. However, the team has faced criticism for letting homegrown stars like Mookie Betts and Xander Bogaerts leave in recent years [2]. With the signing of Anthony and others, the Red Sox are hoping to put those days behind them and focus on a bright, stable future.
- The new extension for Roman Anthony, signed for eight years and potentially escalating up to $230 million, signals Boston Red Sox's focus on building a strong core of young, homegrown players.
- With Anthony now under contract through 2034, he joins a group of key young players like Garrett Crochet, Ceddanne Rafaela, Brayan Bello, Kristian Campbell, and Marcelo Mayer, who are all signed long-term through or beyond 2030.
- The Red Sox's recent strategic locking-in of young talent, under Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow's leadership since 2023, aims to foster continuity, re-energize the fanbase, and potentially avoid losing players in free agency.
- The East division of Major League Baseball will see a mix of youth and experience with the Red Sox's young talent, including Anthony, playing alongside veterans, as the team strives to improve stability and performance for years to come.
