Red Sox Boast Early 'Dark Horse' 2026 MVP Candidate

Young outfielder Roman Anthony could be a key to Boston's future success.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 6:55pm

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The Boston Red Sox had a productive offseason, signing Ranger Suárez and adding Willson Contreras to bolster their lineup. However, one of the team's rising stars is 21-year-old outfielder Roman Anthony, who impressed as a rookie in 2025 and is already being touted as an early 'dark horse' MVP candidate for 2026.

Why it matters

Anthony's potential breakout season could help offset the loss of Alex Bregman and provide a bright spot for the Red Sox as they look to contend in the competitive AL East. His combination of plate discipline, power, and defense has drawn comparisons to Juan Soto, making him a key part of Boston's future.

The details

In 71 games as a rookie in 2025, Anthony slashed .292/.396/.463 with 8 home runs, 32 RBIs, and 18 doubles, racking up 3.1 wins above replacement. MLB.com's Thomas Harrigan noted that Anthony's hard-hit rate of over 55% and chase rate below 21% put him in elite company alongside Soto. With a full season in 2026, Anthony could emerge as a star and potentially contend for the MVP award.

  • Anthony made his MLB debut in June 2025.
  • The 2026 MLB season will be Anthony's second year in the big leagues.

The players

Roman Anthony

A 21-year-old outfielder for the Boston Red Sox who impressed as a rookie in 2025 and is expected to be a key part of the team's future.

Ranger Suárez

A pitcher the Red Sox signed this offseason to bolster their starting rotation.

Willson Contreras

A catcher the Red Sox added to their lineup this offseason.

Alex Bregman

A veteran third baseman who the Red Sox lost this offseason.

Thomas Harrigan

An MLB.com writer who named Roman Anthony an early 'dark horse' MVP candidate for 2026.

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What they’re saying

“Roman Anthony, OF, Red Sox. Key stat: 60.3 percent hard-hit rate / 20.0 percent chase rate combo. MLB Pipeline's No. 1 overall prospect at the time of his debut last June, Anthony not only lived up to the hype as a rookie but also showed an underlying offensive profile that placed him alongside some of the game's elite bats.”

— Thomas Harrigan, MLB.com writer (MLB.com)

What’s next

If Anthony can build on his impressive rookie season and contend for the MVP award in 2026, the Red Sox will be in a strong position to compete in the AL East.

The takeaway

Roman Anthony's potential breakout as an MVP-caliber player could be a key to the Red Sox's future success, helping to offset the loss of Alex Bregman and providing a bright spot for the franchise as they look to return to the playoffs.