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(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The Boston Red Sox are closing in on Opening Day for the 2026 season. Roman Anthony spent the past weeks in Miami representing Team USA at the World Baseball Classic. The tournament ended Tuesday night with a 3-2 loss to Venezuela in the championship game.
Anthony led Team USA with 7 RBIs across the tournament. He hit .318/.423/.591 with 2 home runs and a 1.014 OPS. His go-ahead homer against the Dominican Republic in the semifinal sent the Americans to the championship game.
During the tournament, an MLB star had something to say about the young Red Sox outfielder.
Star Addresses Anthony During WBC Run
Bryce Harper spoke about Roman Anthony during the World Baseball Classic, and his assessment carried the weight of someone who watched the young outfielder perform on the biggest stage in international baseball.
“Boston should be really happy. Fans of Boston should be really happy as well,” Harper said. “He’s a big-market player. He comes through in big spots. It’s a lot of fun to watch him play.”
The praise came from an eight-time All-Star and two-time MVP. He understands what separates players who thrive under pressure from those who don’t.
Harper watched Anthony all tournament. He saw how the rising Red Sox star handled competing against the world’s best players. The at-bats with the game on the line. The moments where one swing could change everything.
Anthony kept delivering. Harper recognized it.
Bryce Harper on Roman Anthony:
“Boston should be really happy. Fans of Boston should be really happy as well. He’s a big-market player. He comes through in big spots. It’s a lot of fun to watch him play.”
(via Johnny Flores // @TheAthleticMLB)
What Anthony Showed at the WBC
Roman Anthony led Team USA in RBIs with seven. He tied Pete Crow-Armstrong for the team lead in home runs with two. His slash line of .318/.423/.591 reflected consistent production against elite pitching.
The semifinal home run against the Dominican Republic defined his tournament. Fourth inning. Anthony crushed a 95 mph sinker 421 feet to center field. The ball gave Team USA a 2-1 lead, and sent them to the championship game.
After the game, Anthony described the moment simply.
“When I hit it, I kind of just blacked out,” he said. “In my head, just, Please go. Please go.”
The home run wasn’t his only big moment. Anthony also launched a three-run shot against Mexico in pool play that provided the margin in a 5-3 victory. When Team USA needed clutch hits, the youngest player on the roster kept providing them.
Red Sox legend David Ortiz called Anthony “the complete package” after the semifinal win. Aaron Judge offered his own assessment during the tournament, noting that Anthony and Bobby Witt Jr. would represent the United States for the next 10 to 15 years.
GettyHOUSTON, TEXAS – MARCH 09: Aaron Judge #99 and Bryce Harper #24 of the United States celebrate after Roman Anthony #3 of the United States hits a home run in the third inning against Mexico during the 2026 World Baseball Classic game between Mexico and the United States at Daikin Park on March 09, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)
What It Means for the Red Sox
Roman Anthony is 21 years old. He was the youngest player on Team USA’s roster. He competed alongside future Hall of Famers and held his own.
Last season, Anthony made his MLB debut on June 9. He hit .292/.396/.463 with 8 home runs and 18 doubles in 71 games. A left oblique injury ended his rookie season in September. He finished third in American League Rookie of the Year voting.
The Red Sox signed Anthony to an eight-year, $130 million contract extension just 46 games into his big-league debut. The deal reflected Boston’s belief in what he can become.
Manager Alex Cora has already penciled Anthony in as the leadoff hitter for Opening Day. March 26 in Cincinnati. The Red Sox open their 2026 season against the Cincinnati Reds.
The World Baseball Classic showed what the Red Sox already knew. Anthony doesn’t shrink in big moments. He delivers.
Final Word for the Red Sox
Bryce Harper kept it simple. Anthony is a big-market player. A player who comes through in big spots. A 21-year-old who led Team USA in RBIs and delivered the home run that sent the Americans to the championship game.
Opening Day arrives soon. Anthony will be in the leadoff spot for the Red Sox. The pressure will be there. The expectations will be there.
If the World Baseball Classic showed anything, it’s that Anthony is ready.
Keith Watkins Keith Watkins is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Golden State Warriors, Boston Celtics, and Los Angeles Lakers. He previously wrote for FanSided, NBA Analysis Network, and Last Word On Sports. Keith is based in Bangkok, Thailand. More about Keith Watkins
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