Bleacher Report’s latest breakdown of projected 2026 home-run leaders has Boston Red Sox fans buzzing, as the outlet suggests young outfielder Roman Anthony could surpass veteran Trevor Story’s total.
The piece lists Story (or catcher Willson Contreras) as the club’s projected leader at 22 homers but firmly sells on that outcome, pointing instead to Anthony as the player poised for a breakout.
Story enjoyed a strong bounce-back year in 2025, clubbing 25 home runs to pace the Red Sox. Anthony, however, flashed elite potential in limited action as a rookie and is viewed as a rising superstar capable of pushing toward 30 homers or more in his first full campaign.
The projection stems from ZiPS data at FanGraphs and underscores Anthony’s rapid ascent. After debuting in June 2025, the left-handed hitter quickly adjusted to big-league pitching and showed the power and discipline that made him one of the game’s top prospects.
For a Red Sox lineup seeking more thump in 2026, Anthony’s potential leap offers major optimism. If the 21-year-old delivers on the hype, he could anchor the order as its leadoff staple.
In 2025 overall, Anthony batted .292 with eight home runs, 32 RBIs, 48 runs scored, 18 doubles and an .859 OPS across 71 games and 303 plate appearances. He finished third in AL Rookie of the Year voting.
He made his debut on June 9 and later thrived in the leadoff spot over his final 27 games before an oblique injury ended his year, posting a .336/.439/.564 line with six homers in 132 plate appearances during that stretch. His combination of contact skills, power and plate discipline quickly established him as a foundational piece for Boston’s future.
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