Red Sox Anthony will get over early sophomore slump assumptions
The soon-to-be 22-year-old rising star is going to be just fine.
Red Sox Anthony will get over early sophomore slump assumptions originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here . After the first week of the 2026 season, Boston Red Sox future star Roman Anthony shows early signs of a sophomore slump.
However, with a long season ahead, there is plenty of time to correct these early mistakes. Anthony faces high expectations after a strong rookie year and World Baseball Classic, but he's off to a slow start. In seven games, the soon-to-be-22-year-old is hitting .
231 with 12 strikeouts, which is unexpected given his usual plate discipline. Following his opening day heroics with a 3-4 outing, he has simmered down considerably. Anthony knocked his first home run of the season on April Fool’s Day against the Houston Astros , courtesy of a pinch-hit solo shot.
With fewer than 100 Major League games, Anthony faces pressure in a strong 2026 lineup. Over the next 155 games, he'll have both setbacks and chances to improve. Experiencing growing pains now, rather than during crucial summer games in the tough American League East, benefits Anthony and the playoff-minded Red Sox.