Red Sox Rookie Roman Anthony Struggles with Throwing Arm

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Boston Red Sox rookie outfielder Roman Anthony has impressed with his smooth left-handed swing and approach at the plate, but he has struggled mightily with his throwing arm in the early part of the 2026 season. Several instances have shown Anthony's throws lacking accuracy and power, raising questions about how the team will address this quirk in his game.

Why it matters

As one of the top young talents in baseball, Anthony's defensive limitations could become a liability for the Red Sox if they can't find ways to minimize the impact. His arm strength and accuracy issues on throws from the outfield are a concern, especially in close games and high-pressure situations.

The details

In recent games against the San Diego Padres and Cincinnati Reds, video clips have surfaced showing Anthony making errant throws that failed to reach their targets. His throws have lacked power and have often bounced well short of their destinations, leading to extra bases for opposing runners. The Red Sox coaching staff will likely need to work extensively with Anthony on his throwing mechanics and arm strength to help improve this aspect of his game.

• On March 28, 2026, Anthony made a weak throw home that resulted in a walk-off hit for the Cincinnati Reds.
• On April 1, 2026, Anthony had another poor throw in a game against the San Diego Padres.
• On April 5, 2026, reports surfaced about Anthony's ongoing throwing issues in the early part of the 2026 season.

What’s next

The Red Sox coaching staff will likely need to work extensively with Anthony on his throwing mechanics and arm strength to help improve this aspect of his game before it becomes a major liability.