Roman Anthony, baseball’s No. 1 prospect, continues to dominate Triple-A, slashing .288/.423/.491 with 10 home runs and 29 RBI, highlighted by a 497-foot grand slam last weekend. Yet, Boston Red Sox fans are left wondering why he’s still not in the majors.
On ESPN’s “Baseball Tonight” podcast, former Yankees pitcher David Cone criticized the Red Sox’s handling of Anthony. “If you are held back and you deserve it and you’re doing everything that you’re supposed to be doing like Roman Anthony is, it just negates that purity. I don’t know if I’m saying it right,” Cone said. “It sends a bad message to the whole organization, it sends a bad message to the whole fan base. Anyone who cares about the Red Sox knows this kid has earned his way to the big leagues and he’s being held back, and he deserves to be here. There’s something that just doesn’t pass the smell test there.”
Speculation swirls that the Red Sox may be manipulating Anthony’s service time, though chief baseball officer Craig Breslow insists any call-up would ensure daily playing time. With outfielders Jarren Duran, Wilyer Abreu, and Ceddanne Rafaela crowding the lineup, finding a spot for Anthony is challenging.
“You find a way. You’re supposed to get your best players on the field,” Cone argued. “You’re not supposed to retain roster spots because of contracts, or because there’s not a proper fit, or because you think he needs to work on something else that he clearly doesn’t. He’s earned it.”
Red Sox manager Alex Cora sidestepped questions about Anthony’s potential call-up ahead of Monday’s return to Fenway Park. “My mind is with the 26 guys we have here,” Cora said.
As Anthony’s Triple-A dominance continues, fans and analysts eagerly await his MLB debut. Will the Red Sox make room for their star prospect? Stay tuned!