By: Declan Flavin | Follow me on Twitter / X @FlavinDeclan
After seasons full of turmoil and a rebuilding mindset, the Boston Red Sox are finally starting to win again on and off the field. Signing rookie outfielder Roman Anthony for eight years and $130 million shows once again that one of the things the front office will do proactively is get talented rookies under contract. These specific terms of an extension are solid when you realize just how well Anthony compares to the best talent in the league.
He will now be the up-and-coming idol for the franchise going forward, taking Rafael Devers’ spot as the franchise cornerstone hitting talent. Assuming his natural talent doesn’t go anywhere, health will obviously be the factor going forward.
Anthony is likely the team’s long-term left fielder: His average mobility, although better in the field than some expected, makes him a good candidate to become the Green Monster’s guard. The Red Sox have been giving him reps there sporadically, so it’s clearly on their minds. This gives Anthony a spot opposite a dangerous right-field corner, which will help sustain his confidence at the plate.
Either Jarren Duran or Wilyer Abreu could be gone by next season: Anthony being the Red Sox’s long-term left fielder now allows the team to deal one of their extra outfielders for whatever they need in the offseason. Assuming Ceddanne Rafaela is established in center field, it’s either Duran or Abreu in right next season. It will come down to whether the front office prefers agility both in the outfield and on the basepaths, or steady Gold Glove defense and sneaky power.
Alex Bregman’s extension talks just got more interesting: Now that the Red Sox have extended both Anthony and Kristian Campbell, you have to wonder if the front office will claim empty pockets by the time Bregman is available to talk extension. Ironically, having a pivotal impact on younger players is likely to be top of mind for Bregman and his agent. There’s a chance the Red Sox front office emphasizes and rewards that when the time comes, but as we’ve learned, big-money deals for the Red Sox are no guarantee.
This city and team need more shining examples of production. You have to give credit to former Red Sox GM Chaim Bloom for making picks like this, as his fingerprints continue to be all over the present success of this club. Anthony’s vision at the plate will continue to serve as an example for the lineup to stay true to what their pesky style is all about.
A mature youth has taken over the team, in contrast to what felt like a wavering leadership group with Devers. Devers is an exceptional talent at the plate, but this team needed younger players who understand what it means to prepare and play in front of teammates.
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