Red Sox Youngster Compared to DiMaggio and Jeter by A-Rod

Boston's Roman Anthony has impressed with his play for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic

Mar. 16, 2026 at 6:37pm

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Boston Red Sox outfielder Roman Anthony, a top prospect in the organization, has been compared to MLB legends Joe DiMaggio and Derek Jeter by former superstar Alex Rodriguez. Anthony, who had a successful rookie season in 2025, has been a key player for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic, including hitting the game-winning home run against the Dominican Republic. Rodriguez and Red Sox great David Ortiz have both praised Anthony's talent, poise, and potential to become a superstar in the league.

Why it matters

The comparisons to DiMaggio and Jeter, two of the most iconic players in MLB history, indicate that the Red Sox may have a budding superstar on their hands in the 21-year-old Anthony. His strong play in the World Baseball Classic has further raised his profile, and the Red Sox will be hoping he can stay healthy and build on his impressive rookie campaign to become a cornerstone of their franchise for years to come.

The details

Anthony hit .292 with a .463 slugging percentage and .859 OPS in 71 games for the Red Sox in 2025, finishing third in Rookie of the Year voting. He has continued his strong play in the World Baseball Classic, hitting .318 with a .591 OPS and a team-high seven RBIs to help lead Team USA to the championship game. Rodriguez praised Anthony's "It Factor" and said he has the "looks, the humility, the size, the power" of all-time greats like DiMaggio and Jeter. Ortiz also lauded Anthony's work ethic and commitment to improving, noting that missing the Red Sox's playoff run last year "was killing him."

  • Anthony had a successful rookie campaign in 2025.
  • Anthony was invited to join Team USA for the 2026 World Baseball Classic after an injury to Corbin Carroll.
  • On March 15, 2026, Anthony hit the game-winning home run against the Dominican Republic to guide Team USA to the championship game.
  • The World Baseball Classic championship game is scheduled for March 17, 2026.

The players

Roman Anthony

A 21-year-old outfielder for the Boston Red Sox who had a breakout rookie season in 2025 and has been a key player for Team USA in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

Alex Rodriguez

A former MLB superstar who is now an analyst for FOX Sports and has praised Anthony's talent and potential, comparing him to legends like Joe DiMaggio and Derek Jeter.

David Ortiz

A former Boston Red Sox great who has also praised Anthony's work ethic and commitment to improving, noting his disappointment at missing the Red Sox's playoff run last year due to injury.

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What they’re saying

“When you see a kid like that, whether it's Joe DiMaggio or Ted Williams or Derek Jeter or Big Papi, there are some people that just have the 'It Factor'. That kid has the looks, the humility, the size, the power.”

— Alex Rodriguez, FOX Sports Analyst (FOX Sports)

“That kid is a student of the game. We are so proud to have him in our organization, and it's because he does nothing but get better and better and better.”

— David Ortiz, Former Red Sox Great (FOX Sports)

What’s next

Team USA is set to face the winner of Venezuela and Italy in the World Baseball Classic championship game on March 17, 2026. Anthony is expected to remain in the starting lineup for Team USA after his strong performance in the tournament so far.

The takeaway

The high praise from baseball legends like A-Rod and Big Papi suggests the Red Sox may have a future superstar in Roman Anthony. If he can stay healthy and build on his impressive rookie season, Anthony could develop into one of the game's elite players and help lead the Red Sox back to the playoffs in the coming years.