BOSTON, MA — Amid a flurry of trade speculation surrounding the Boston Red Sox’s excess outfield talent—which has seen Jarren Duran and Wilyer Abreu dominate the rumor mill—franchise cornerstone Roman Anthony has delivered a powerful statement of loyalty, essentially vowing to stay and give his all for the Red Sox and extinguishing any talk of his potential departure.
Anthony, who cemented his status as a key piece of the Red Sox’s future by signing a massive long-term extension in 2025, has made it clear that his focus is entirely on winning in Boston.
The Source of the Commitment
Anthony’s statement and actions are a direct counter to the swirling rumors, which often feature him as the reason other outfielders are expendable.
- The Contract Guarantee: Anthony is locked up on an eight-year, $130 million extension (with escalators up to $230 million) that runs through at least the 2033 season. This deal bought out his arbitration years and two-to-three years of free agency, making him a foundational piece the team is not looking to move.
- Financial Breakdown: Anthony is set to earn $2 million in 2026, with his salary progressively increasing. The contract’s length provides the certainty for his commitment.
- Embracing the Rivalry: Anthony recently reacted to the trade acquisition of veteran pitcher Sonny Gray, who has openly stated he is ready to “go into the rivalry with full force” against the Yankees. Anthony embraced this energy, saying, “I’m excited to have him. He seems like a competitor. He seems like he’s ready to play in Boston,” and adding the simple, powerful quote about the upcoming season: “All I’m gonna say is ‘Go Red Sox’.” This shows his buy-in to the team’s championship culture.
- The Clubhouse Connection: Anthony, despite being one of the youngest players, developed a strong bond with veteran Alex Bregman during the 2025 season. His social media interaction with Bregman as the star third baseman weighs his free agency decision suggests Anthony is actively trying to retain the team’s key players, not escape them.
The Trade Reality
Insiders and analysts agree that while “just about anyone on the roster could theoretically be shipped out,” Roman Anthony is an exception alongside Garrett Crochet. He is viewed internally as the most valuable asset who will not be traded, ensuring the Red Sox retain a young, elite-upside outfielder to lead their lineup for the next decade.
The trade rumors will continue to focus on Duran and Abreu, confirming that Anthony’s position as the face of the franchise is secure.
