Red Sox Prospect Roman Anthony Garnering High Praise from Experts

BOSTON, Mass. — Boston Red Sox top prospect Roman Anthony has caught the attention of former MLB executive J.P. Ricciardi, who believes Anthony is destined to become a star player. With a strong performance in Triple A, hitting .313 with five home runs and demonstrating impressive command at the plate, Anthony stands out even as the youngest player in the league at age 20.

Ricciardi, a former general manager for the Toronto Blue Jays and current analyst for NESN, praised Anthony’s potential, stating, “I think you’ve got a multiple-time All-Star, and I think you’ve got a player that’s going to go down as one of the best Red Sox ever.” Such high praise comes from Ricciardi’s extensive background in scouting and player evaluation, emphasizing his belief in Anthony’s capabilities.

Anthony’s stats reflect his performance this season, maintaining an equal rate of walks and strikeouts at 21 percent each, as well as posting the highest barrel rate in Triple A at 20 percent. “He’s a physical specimen. He’s become so much more physical,” Ricciardi said, highlighting the outfielder’s solid fundamentals and game instincts.

Having scouted Anthony during his high school years, Ricciardi assessed him as a first-round talent back then. This background gives him insight into how the player has developed over time. “He’s got great command of the strike zone,” Ricciardi noted, pointing out Anthony’s ability to handle high-pressure situations and left-handed pitchers.

Ricciardi also compared Anthony to notable players like Steve Finley and Paul O’Neill, envisioning a future where Anthony could excel in the majors. He emphasized the rarity of finding players with Anthony’s skill set in his 35 years of scouting experience.

While Anthony continues to shine in Triple A, Ricciardi acknowledged that various factors may be delaying his promotion to the major leagues, including the current roster situation of the Red Sox. However, he remains confident that Anthony’s opportunity will come, likely due to injuries or trades.

“It’s only a matter of time,” Ricciardi remarked, suggesting Anthony is already fully prepared for his big league debut. “He’s done. He’s ready.”