Red Sox star prospect Roman Anthony 'trying to be where my feet are at' along meteoric rise
Ascending through three different levels in 2023, becoming one of the top prospects for the Red Sox, rooming with other Red Sox top prospect Marcelo Mayer, and signing autographs with David Ortiz.
That’s what has become the norm for Roman Anthony. Meanwhile, he’s just trying to stay in the moment.
“Obviously I want to get to the big leagues as fast as I can and help this team win as fast as I can,” Anthony said. “But for now, being in Portland, Maine, I’m just trying to be where my feet are at and help this team win and get better here every day with these guys.”
Depending on the publication, Anthony may find his name atop a Red Sox prospects list. Despite that, he doesn't use his free time scouring rankings.
“I really, to be honest, don't really look too deep into it and don't really drown myself in all the social media and all the rankings because there's so many,” Anthony said. “At the end of the day, once you get to the big leagues, none of that really matters.”
With that said Anthony does still recognize the specialness of the title.
“But, yeah it is great to have a good year and look back on it and be rewarded for all that work I put in,” Anthony said.
Anthony is off to another strong start, his second full season in professional baseball. So far the 19-year-old is slashing .256/.341/.487 to go along with a couple of home runs and stolen bases.
Another star prospect entering just his second full season in professional baseball, one of Anthony’s best friends is Jackson Holiday. The two trained together in the off-season at the Holliday’s in Oklahoma, the second straight year he’s done so.
“[Jackson and Ethan Holiday] obviously grew up in south Florida when Matt [Holiday] was playing,” Anthony said. “It's good to get out there and just get into a competitive environment with guys in the off-season and be surrounded by guys who have the same goals as myself.”
The Red Sox outfielder also acknowledged the idea of potential battles with the number one MLB prospect.
“That’s the goal right?” Anthony said. “Hopefully we’re both in it for a long time, playing against each other. And winning, hopefully.”
Another one of Roman Anthony’s best friends is also a star shortstop, Marcelo Mayer. Not only is Anthony best friends with Mayer, but they are also roommates.
Mayer being the other prospect that sits atop Red Sox prospect rankings, Anthony credited him for his leadership and how it impacts not just himself, but others.
“He leads by example,” Anthony said. “He leads by the way he plays and by the way he carries himself. His character is what stands out the most. He’s a great clubhouse guy and a great guy to live with.”
Anthony continued to speak about his relationship with Mayer.
“I consider him my best friend,” Anthony said. “We pretty much do everything together. We help each other get better and kind of build off of each other.”
Another new friendship that Anthony made was Red Sox legend David Ortiz. At Winter Weekend, Anthony was stationed next to the Hall of Famer. The time was short, though he enjoyed the experience of getting to talk to him on a normal level, not just about baseball.
Although he may seem like a seasoned vet in many aspects for such a young player, he is still getting used to the early-season Maine weather.
“What I'm doing in a shirt and shorts, I don't know,” Anthony said. “I was in BP and it was a little bit warmer than it is right now, but I'll be all right. Just gotta get used to it.”
Anthony said the Portland Sea Dogs home opener being postponed due to snow was a first for him, along with many other teammates.
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After watching most of Portland’s games this year, Mayer looks like a man among boys and should be promoted to AAA asap. Anthony and Teal although not as dominant also should be leveled up.