Article: Roman Anthony Named Baseball's Best Prospect By Baseball America

[Brian Ziller]

With 235 games under his belt, Roman Anthony is crowned the new king of minor league baseball.

For the third time in 34 years, a Boston Red Sox minor league player is No. 1 on Baseball America’s Top 100. With the graduation of Junior Caminero from the heralded prospect list, outfielder Roman Anthony has taken up the mantle. 

Previously, Andrew Benintendi was named Baseball America’s No. 1 prospect in 2017, and Daisuke Matsuzaka led the list in 2007. Baseball America started publishing its prospect rankings in 1990.

The 20-year-old was taken 79th overall by the Red Sox in the 2022 MLB draft. He was acquired using the compensation pick the Red Sox received when Eduardo Rodriguez signed with the Detroit Tigers. In just two short years, Anthony is on the verge of making his major league debut, although it will likely have to wait until next season.

Since his promotion to Triple-A on August 10th, Anthony has proven why he is among the elite prospects in the game. Through his first 26 games, he’s hitting .340/.419/.530 with 25 runs, three home runs, 14 RBI, and three stolen bases while batting leadoff.

Anthony started the season in Double-A Portland, where he shined. Through 84 games with the Sea Dogs, he had an .856 OPS with 15 home runs and 16 stolen bases on what was widely considered one of the more talented teams in minor league baseball. Anthony hit in front of three other top prospects in the Red Sox farm system: shortstop Marcelo Mayer, catcher Kyle Teel, and infielder Kristian Campbell - all of whom are also ranked in Baseball America’s Top 100.

Anthony has an enticing power/speed combo; with the former on full display at July’s MLB Future Skills Showcase. Anthony entered the final round in sixth place but won the tournament by crushing six home runs at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. According to Baseball America, Anthony’s average exit velocity is 108.4 MPH, which ranks in the top one percent of all minor-league hitters. He also boasts the hardest-hit ball by any player in the Red Sox organization this year, with a maximum exit velocity of 116 MPH.

There are 11 games remaining in the regular season for Triple-A Worcester, at which point Anthony’s season likely ends. But this offseason is essential for the new No. 1 prospect in baseball. It’s certainly in the range of outcomes that he breaks camp next Spring with the Red Sox. He could also start the year back in Worcester, but barring something unforeseen, it won’t be long until he makes his impact in The Show.

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[moonslav59]

This guy seems like the real deal. The past Sox #1's, Beni and Dice-Ks were srt of letdowns.

Our OF is strong and deep, so I think someone will be traded, but maybe not.

[Larry Cook]

Congrats to Roman! Amazing talent!

I hope Mayer takes his place when we bring Roman and Campbell to Boston in April 2025! 

[mvp 78]

 

[mvp 78]