Top MLB Insider Predicts Monster 2026 Stat Line for Red Sox Star Roman Anthony
· Yahoo Sports
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Roman Anthony was a revelation in 2025, ending third in Rookie of the Year voting in just 73 games. Now, ready to participate in a full season for the first time, Anthony looks to elevate his game in 2026.
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If all goes according to how one of the top insiders in MLB sees it, Anthony could very well exceed expectations in his sophomore season.
After slashing .282/.374/.459 with eleven home runs, Anthony has been ranked 33rd out of 100 on ESPN’s MLB Top 100 list. It comes after not appearing on the list in 2025.
Jeff Passan predicts this stat line for Anthony: 286/.391/.538 with 31 home runs, 116 runs, and 84 RBIs.
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Passan pointed out that Anthony hit the ball harder on average last year than the likes of Oneil Cruz, Aaron Judge, and Shohei Ohtani. To earn a higher ranking, Passan believes Anthony will need to work on his power after hitting ground balls 50.6% of the time last year.
So far, it appears Anthony is ready to do so. He's slashed 263/.300/.316 in six Spring Training games. He even crushed a home run in his first World Baseball Classic game, albeit an exhibition. Not bad for someone who replaced Corbin Carroll.
Per manager Alex Cora, Anthony is expected to be placed at the top of the lineup this season. His speed and strength could make for a dynamic leadoff hitter.
“Roman (Anthony) will lead off,” Cora told MLB Network via Clutch Points. “… The kid, he's a good hitter, he knows the strike zone. With one swing, it's 1-0 Red Sox. He did an outstanding job for us last year, and I expect him to do the same thing.”
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After only a few games, Anthony signed an eight-year, $130 million contract extension with Boston. To have that much trust in someone with limited experience makes Anthony a pretty special player.
All this success is possible if he’s healthy. Anthony suffered a left oblique strain that forced him out of action towards the end of last season. He’s been working hard since being shut down, looking to stay healthy as he attempts to bring the Red Sox to the playoffs.
Despite a guaranteed contract, Anthony isn’t taking anything for granted. He hopes to prove why he’s on the list and get a higher ranking next year.
“I’m continuing to do the same work. As if I’m not in the big leagues yet and still trying to make it,” Anthony said via The Athletic.