The rising star says he’s “honored and excited” as he prepares for his first international stage.
Roman Anthony is officially heading to the international stage - and now it’s no longer speculation.
As first reported by Jen McCaffery on X and later confirmed by the Red Sox, Roman Anthony has officially been named to Team USA and is expected to leave Boston Red Sox camp around March 1. McCaffery added that Anthony said he’s “honored and excited,” putting a definitive stamp on what had been building for days.
For Anthony, this is the latest milestone in what continues to feel like a rocket-ship ascent.
Just last season, he arrived in the big leagues as the top prospect in baseball and immediately looked like he belonged, slashing .292/.396/.463 with 8 home runs in 257 at-bats. Even more impressive was how quickly he settled into the middle of Boston’s lineup at just 21 years old, posting a 140 OPS+ and flashing an advanced approach that has evaluators dreaming on his ceiling.
This news had been trending in this direction ever since Corbin Carroll was ruled out of the World Baseball Classic with a broken hamate bone, opening the door for Anthony as a replacement option. The biggest hurdle appeared to be insurance, especially after Anthony missed most of September - as well as Boston’s playoff run - with an oblique strain.
But with the official announcement now here, that concern is clearly in the rearview mirror.
Feb 28, 2025; Clearwater, Florida, USA; Boston Red Sox outfielder Roman Anthony (48) is congratulated after he scored a run against the Philadelphia Phillies during the third inning at BayCare Ballpark. (Kim Klement Neitzel/Imagn Images)From a development standpoint, this is a fascinating opportunity.
Anthony will get a chance to be around some of the biggest stars in the sport, experience a postseason-like atmosphere, and continue building on the confidence he gained during his rookie campaign - one that ended with him as a finalist for American League Rookie of the Year despite not debuting until June 9.
Of course, there’s also the Red Sox angle to consider.
Anthony becomes one of several Boston outfielders leaving camp for international duty, which will open additional Grapefruit League at-bats for younger players and depth options as manager Alex Cora continues sorting through roster battles.
But when you’re talking about a player who could realistically grow into an MVP candidate as soon as this season, the experience he gains on this stage could pay dividends once he’s back in a Red Sox uniform.
Ultimately, this is another sign of just how quickly Anthony has become part of the sport’s bigger picture.
A year ago, he was baseball’s top prospect trying to carve out a role.
Now, he’s representing his country - and doing so as one of the brightest young stars in the game.
Aug 29, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox right fielder Roman Anthony (19) rounds the bases after hitting a home run against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the fifth inning at Fenway Park. (Eric Canha/Imagn Images)JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
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Tom Carroll is a contributor for Roundtable, with boots-on-the-ground coverage of all things Boston sports. He's a senior digital content producer for WEEI.com, and a native of Lincoln, RI.