Boston Red Sox prospect Roman Anthony has signed a $130 million contract that has surprised many in the baseball world
The magnitude of the deal, both in length and figures, has generated mixed reactions, including from a former general manager who called the terms “shocking.”
An unusual contract
The deal includes multiple guaranteed years and performance bonuses, which is unusual for a player who has yet to make a steady debut in the majors. Roman Anthony, just 20 years old, has shown outstanding performance in the minor leagues, but his MLB experience is limited.
The total amount of the contract places him among the highest-paid players of his generation, which has raised questions about the risk the organization is taking by committing long-term to a still-developing talent.
Reaction of a former general manager
A former MLB GM, whose identity was not revealed, expressed surprise at the terms of the contract
It’s a huge gamble by the Red Sox. It’s not just about the money, but the message they send to the rest of the team and the league.
According to him, such agreements can alter the salary dynamics within the dressing room and raise expectations prematurely.
The former executive also questioned whether Anthony will be able to withstand the media and sporting pressure that comes with such a large contract at such a young age.
Roman Anthony’s profile
Roman Anthony was selected in the second round of the 2022 MLB Draft and has since quickly climbed the Red Sox’s development system. His combination of power, speed and plate discipline has made him one of the team’s jewels.
In 2024, he recorded a .298 batting average with 27 home runs and 89 RBIs in the minor leagues, prompting management to secure his future with a multi-year contract.
A new trend in MLB
Anthony’s case is not an isolated one. In recent years, several teams have opted to sign early extensions with their most valuable prospects, seeking to avoid future salary inflation and secure long-term talent. However, few contracts have reached such high figures without an established track record in the major leagues.
The Red Sox seem to be betting on building their core around young talent, and Anthony would be a centerpiece of that strategy.
Vision or risk?
Roman Anthony’s contract with the Red Sox represents a bold move that could be a game-changer in the way prospects are managed in MLB. If the player lives up to expectations, the deal could be seen as a masterpiece of planning. But if he fails to adapt to the level of demand, criticism will not be long in coming.
Only time will tell whether this investment was visionary or an unnecessary risk.
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