Roman Anthony: From Spring Training to the World Baseball Classic

Fort Myers, Florida – Boston Red Sox designated hitter Roman Anthony is experiencing a whirlwind spring. The 21-year-old outfielder has earned an unexpected but well-deserved spot on the United States’ roster for the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC), replacing the injured Arizona Diamondbacks star, Corbin Carroll.

The opportunity arose after Carroll’s unfortunate injury, prompting Team USA manager Mark DeRosa to seek a replacement. According to reports, former Red Sox teammate Alex Bregman played a key role in recommending Anthony to DeRosa. This late addition adds significant excitement to Team USA’s lineup.

A Dream Come True for the Young Outfielder

Anthony expressed his surprise and gratitude during an interview with MLB Network’s Chris Young. “Came back in the clubhouse one day and saw the unfortunate news about Corbin, so I hope he’s doing all right,” Anthony shared. “And then, at that point, (Alex Cora) had mentioned something to me, and Bregman was texting me a bit. Then that night, I got to speak with DeRo, which was unbelievable.”

Born in 2005, Anthony is the youngest player on Team USA, a testament to his burgeoning talent. He admitted he hadn’t anticipated participating in the WBC this spring, initially focusing on preparing for his first full year with the Red Sox. “Coming into the spring, I didn’t really expect it. I thought they had the roster set already. So for me, it was about coming in and getting ready for my first full year. And then got that call, got the approval from the team, all the guys. For me, it was a no-brainer. It’s a blessing, for sure.”

Joining a Star-Studded Roster

Anthony joins a formidable Team USA outfield that includes established stars like Aaron Judge, Byron Buxton, and Pete Crow-Armstrong. This provides an invaluable opportunity for the young Red Sox prospect to learn from some of the best players in the game.

Team USA will kick off their WBC campaign against Brazil at the Houston Astros’ Daikin Park on Friday night. Fans will be eager to see Anthony in action, representing both the Red Sox organization and the United States on the international stage.

More on the Red Sox

For more insights into the Red Sox, check out MLB.com’s coverage of Alex Cora and Ranger Suarez.