The Boston Red Sox aren’t messing around with their future.
On Wednesday, Boston finalized a contract extension with arguably their brightest rising star, 21-year-old outfielder Roman Anthony.
ESPN’s Jeff Passan broke the news.
“BREAKING: Outfielder Roman Anthony and the Boston Red Sox are finalizing an eight-year, $130 million contract extension, sources tell ESPN,” Passan posted to X. “The deal, which is pending a physical, includes a club option and will keep Anthony under team control through 2034.”
“Roman Anthony’s deal with the Red Sox will start in 2026 and includes significant escalators that could take the maximum value of the deal to $230 million,” Passan added. “Depending on where he finishes in AL Rookie of the Year voting, it would buy out three or four years of free agency.”
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Anthony was heralded as baseball’s top prospect as he made his major league debut for the Red Sox on June 9, becoming the youngest player to make an MLB debut for Boston since Rafael Devers. After a short adjustment period, Anthony caught fire and has been one of Boston’s most impressive players lately, coinciding with the Red Sox’s increased winning.
In his last 132 plate appearances, Anthony is slashing .348/ .447/ .500. He delivered his first walk-off hit for the Red Sox on August 1 against the Houston Astros at Fenway Park.
Entering Wednesday, Anthony was hitting .283/ .400/ .428/ .828 on the season with two home runs and 19 RBIs.
Boston’s extension agreement with Anthony continues president of baseball operations Craig Breslow’s initiative of extending the franchise’s young stars. Breslow and Co. extended Kristian Campbell earlier this season and extended Ceddanne Rafaela last season.
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