Red Sox' Roman Anthony shines among MLB stars at WBC

The 21-year-old rookie has impressed with his performance and professionalism on Team USA's star-studded roster.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 1:35am

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Roman Anthony, a 21-year-old rookie with the Boston Red Sox, has been a standout player for Team USA at the World Baseball Classic. Despite being the youngest and least accomplished hitter on the team, Anthony has made a strong impression on the MVPs and All-Stars he has shared a clubhouse with, including Bryce Harper, Aaron Judge, and Bobby Witt Jr. Anthony has embraced his rookie role, impressing with his play, work ethic, and ability to learn from the veteran players.

Why it matters

Anthony's success at the WBC showcases his immense talent and potential, and highlights the Red Sox' ability to develop young stars. His performance on the international stage alongside some of baseball's biggest names suggests he is poised for a breakout season in the majors.

The details

Through the semifinal round, Anthony was tied for the team lead with six RBIs, had a .316 batting average (trailing only Kyle Schwarber), and posted a .909 OPS (behind only Judge and ahead of Witt). Despite being the youngest player on the team, Anthony has fit in professionally and socially, embracing his rookie role and learning from the veteran players.

  • Anthony grew up about an hour away from loanDepot Park, the venue for the WBC semifinal, and attended games there as a child.
  • The World Baseball Classic semifinal took place on Sunday, March 16, 2026.

The players

Roman Anthony

A 21-year-old rookie with the Boston Red Sox who has been a standout performer for Team USA at the World Baseball Classic.

Garrett Whitlock

A Red Sox reliever and teammate of Anthony's who is also on the Team USA roster.

Bryce Harper

The Philadelphia Phillies' first baseman and a member of the Team USA roster.

Aaron Judge

The two-time reigning American League MVP and a member of the Team USA roster.

Bobby Witt Jr.

The Kansas City Royals' young star who is also representing the United States at the World Baseball Classic.

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What they’re saying

“He's a stud. He's so much fun to watch play. This game is in such a great place with young guys, with so many guys that love the game of baseball. He plays on such a big-market team in Boston. So to be able to have the success in his career this early, it's been a lot of fun to watch.”

— Bryce Harper, Philadelphia Phillies first baseman

“Me and Harper have been kind of joking around that Bobby [Witt Jr. of the Royals] and Roman are going to be in this, representing the USA for the next 10, 15 years. Hopefully when we're the old guys in here in a couple years, they still want us on the team.”

— Aaron Judge

“There's no rivalry here right now. We're trying to accomplish the same thing. He's an unbelievable leader. He's an unbelievable human being, so getting to just watch him and learn from him really has been awesome.”

— Roman Anthony, Boston Red Sox rookie

What’s next

The World Baseball Classic semifinal and final will take place over the next week, with Team USA looking to win the championship.

The takeaway

Roman Anthony's standout performance at the World Baseball Classic has cemented his status as one of baseball's rising young stars, and suggests the Boston Red Sox have a potential franchise cornerstone in the 21-year-old rookie.