Red Sox' Alex Bregman Celebrates Roman Anthony News: 'Face Of The Franchise'
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
Boston Red Sox third baseman Alex Bregman has only been in town since February, but he's played a critical mentoring role for the future leaders of the team.
Principal among the youngsters Bregman has taken under his wing is outfielder Roman Anthony, the rising superstar who signed an eight-year, $130 million extension on Wednesday, the largest guaranteed deal ever for a major leaguer in his rookie season.
Bregman bought Anthony and the other rookies custom suits in spring training. He can constantly be seen talking over at-bats with Anthony and Marcelo Mayer, iPad in hand, during games. It's obvious how much he means to the youngsters on this squad.
FORT MYERS, FLORIDA - March 12: Roman Anthony #48 of the Boston Red Sox reacts with Alex Bregman #2 of the Boston Red Sox as they warm up before a Grapefruit League game against the...
FORT MYERS, FLORIDA - March 12: Roman Anthony #48 of the Boston Red Sox reacts with Alex Bregman #2 of the Boston Red Sox as they warm up before a Grapefruit League game against the Minnesota Twins at JetBlue Park at Fenway South on March 12, 2025 in Fort Myers, Florida. (Photo by Maddie Malhotra/Boston)Now that Anthony is locked in for the long haul in Boston, Bregman made it clear on Thursday that the 21-year-old means a lot to him as well, but even more to the team and the city at large.
"I'm super happy that he's happy," Bregman said, per Tim Healey of the Boston Globe. "Being here long-term and being able to be here and even at his age be a leader of this franchise, he's an unbelievable player and so mature and I'm happy for him."
Now that Anthony is locked in, all eyes will soon turn to Bregman. The 31-year-old can opt out of the final two years and $80 million of the deal he signed back in February if he chooses to pursue free agency this winter.
The Red Sox saved $254.5 million when they traded Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants, a move that happened in no small part because Devers was upset by the organization moving him off third base to sign Bregman.
With plenty of that money left over even after extending Anthony, the pressure on the front office to keep Bregman in town is already high, and it's only going to ramp up as Boston barrels toward the playoffs.
Bregman loves playing alongside Anthony for now. But will that sway his decision at all to stick around or depart for greener pastures?
More MLB: Cubs Trade Pickup Sends Craig Counsell Message After Immaculate Inning
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Boston Globe
2 hours ago
- Boston Globe
Here's how Roman Anthony, even at just 21 years old, has changed the Red Sox since arriving in the big leagues
The Red Sox had staggered through the early part of the schedule when they decided to call up Anthony on June 9. They owned a 32-35 record, placing them fourth in the AL East. They are 32-17 since, best in the American League. Advertisement That's not solely because of Anthony, of course. There have been numerous, massive changes that have reshaped the roster since then. Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up Still, there's no question Anthony changed the dynamic of the club. Through 47 games entering Friday night's series opener in San Diego, he's hit .276/.392/.417, exhibiting remarkable plate discipline and patience that teammates suggest has had a ripple effect throughout the lineup. He is just the fifth player in the 21st century who, at 21 or younger, posted an OBP of .390 or better through his first 47 career games, joining Fernando Tatís Jr., Juan Soto, Jason Heyward, and Albert Pujols. Related : Anthony also has impressed with his base running and outfield play, grading as an above-average defender in the corners. Overall, he's produced 1.5 WAR in the calculations of FanGraphs. Yet even that marker of production is inadequate to capture who Anthony is and what he's done. Advertisement 'I think [what Anthony has done] is special. I think it's remarkable,' said Breslow. 'And I'm not sure that there's a metric that we should look at uniquely and believe that it perfectly captures the impact that he's had. We can look at his contribution, whether that's WAR or any of those. We could look at our team record. 'But I think that we've talked a lot over the last couple of months about this athletic, dynamic team that we're looking to build, and Roman suits that perfectly.' This isn't the first time the Sox have seen a team elevate its play once Anthony joined it. Raves started pouring in about Anthony as an 18-year-old making his pro debut in the Florida Complex League in 2022, shortly after he'd been drafted in the second round and signed to a $2.5 million bonus. Roman Anthony makes a sliding catch to secure an out against the Rays in his first Major League series. Barry Chin/Globe Staff Even in the FCL, the words 'mature' and 'maturity' were used so often that it was easy to forget Anthony was the youngest player on the team. His reputation only grew across levels, as players and coaches got to appreciate his talent and what mattered to him. Last year, when he was promoted to Triple A Worcester along with Kyle Teel and Marcelo Mayer, the team had a 53-60 record. Down the stretch, as Anthony solidified his case as the top prospect in baseball, the WooSox were 26-11. 'When we had him last year in Worcester, what he did to our team as far as wins and losses from the moment that he came up, we're seeing a copy-paste exactly of what happened when he came up to Worcester,' said Red Sox first base coach José Flores, who was the WooSox' bench coach last year. 'So I'm not surprised at all.'' Advertisement Flores, who was a minor league coordinator with the Cubs from 2013-17, suggested Anthony's impact upon arrival in the big leagues reminded him of Kyle Schwarber's with the Cubs in 2015, when a young team working to establish itself suddenly hit another gear. Anthony is a rookie but is respected as a sage by older teammates. 'You see the quality of at-bats this guy's taking on a daily basis, that's contagious,' said Flores. 'Trevor Story, a guy who's been in the big leagues a long time, seeing this kid, how comfortable he looks in the batter's box, they had conversations, and Trevor may have picked up something that he hadn't been thinking about through the course of the struggles he was having early. Now, all of a sudden, you're seeing a lot more success than struggle.' Related : Anthony's comportment on the field and among his teammates has been jarringly impressive. He's gifted but looks to coaches and teammates for insight on ways he can improve. He does not seek attention but is comfortable with it, and has shown a remarkable ability to handle the media and frame all comments through the prism of team success. He constantly seeks the feedback of veterans, yet already has earned their respect to the point that more experienced teammates turn to him for advice on the field. Advertisement 'I'm not sure I've ever been around a guy who has the type of impact that he has at that age,' said third base coach Kyle Hudson, who recalled his astonishment when Anthony introduced himself in spring training by asking for help to improve his sliding. 'That's the reason why we are where we are right now, and why he is where he is, just because his approach to everybody, and his approach to the game is about winning. That's what it's all about for him. There's not a selfish bone in his body . . . People are drawn to him. People want to talk to him. People want to pick his brain.' After wins, the Red Sox recognize a player of the game, who briefly addresses his teammates. Pitcher Garrett Crochet said he was 'caught off guard' by how mature, poised, and well-spoken Anthony was the first time he received the recognition. 'He's one of the more mature 21-year-olds I think that has ever come through major league baseball,' said Crochet. 'You mix his work ethic with his discipline, and that's kind of what you see on the field. It's been a pro at-bat since Day One. He never seems overwhelmed or overmatched. For me, it's really just the maturity that's the biggest thing.' Teammate Alex Bregman suggested Anthony's at-bats reminded him of Yordan Alvarez when the Astros slugger arrived in the big leagues and instantly became one of the league's best hitters as a 22-year-old in 2019. Pitcher Walker Buehler compared Anthony's presence to that of former Dodgers teammates Cody Bellinger and Corey Seager, both of whom won Rookie of the Year honors and eventually emerged as the MVP (Bellinger) or runner-up (Seager). Advertisement Yet there's also the dimension of how Anthony carries himself ― how he manages to display a 'Jeter gene' in how he fields every question, whether reframing all personal successes by discussing the team or taking the time to appreciate teammates, as when he opened his discussion of a recent back injury by praising Wilyer Abreu's fill-in. 'He wants to win,' said manager Alex Cora. 'He's shown it in the interviews [and] the way he goes about his business.' Indeed, the decision by Anthony to sign underscored and amplified that commitment. 'The main goal is just show up every day and be the best version of myself and get better each and every day and try to help this team win,' Anthony said. 'And obviously, now that this [deal] is done, it's even more [of] a reason to just go out and be the best version of myself and win baseball games.' A fan holds up a custom Roman Anthony sign after the outfielder signed his eight-year contract extension. Danielle Parhizkaran/Globe Staff Alex Speier can be reached at
Newsweek
12 hours ago
- Newsweek
What is Rashawn Slater's Contract? Chargers Lose Star OL for 2025 Season
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The Los Angeles Chargers got some devastating news as it was revealed that star offensive lineman Rashawn Slater was lost for the 2025 season. Slater went down during practice on Thursday and had to be carted off the field. Read more: Chargers' Rashawn Slater Carted Off Field With Potentially Serious Injury The scene revolving around Slater described a somber incident, as Slater had to be helped onto a medical cart, while teammates all went to offer their support. Just hours following the news, the Chargers confirmed that he suffered a torn patellar tendon and will miss the entire 2025 season. Rashawn Slater sustained a torn patellar tendon in today's practice and will undergo surgery to repair the injury. He will miss the 2025 season and be placed on Injured Reserve. — Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) August 7, 2025 Losing Slater for the 2025 season is horrible, especially considering he just signed a massive extension with the team. What is Rashawn Slater's Contract? EL SEGUNDO, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 12: Rashawn Slater #70 of the Los Angeles Chargers blocks during mandatory minicamp at The Bolt on June 12, 2025 in El Segundo, California. EL SEGUNDO, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 12: Rashawn Slater #70 of the Los Angeles Chargers blocks during mandatory minicamp at The Bolt on June 12, 2025 in El Segundo, news: Texans' CJ Gardner-Johnson Believed to Have Suffered Torn Achilles Slater signed a four-year, $114 million contract extension with the organization, which included $92 million in guaranteed money. The contract was signed on July 27. The $92 million guaranteed in the contract is the most ever given to an offensive lineman. Slater worked his way into a historic play with elite play that includes two Pro Bowl nods and a Second-team All-Pro nod. Slater was responsible not only for helping to protect quarterback Justin Herbert, but he was also instrumental in helping the run game. The Chargers relied on a run game that wore down opponents in 2024. What Will the Chargers Do Next? The Chargers have some solid offensive linemen on the team who may need to move over. With Joe Alt being the premier left tackle, he may move over to right tackle to make up for losing Slater. Ryan Nelson could be the presumed starting left tackle. Trey Pipkins III might also remain as the team's starting right tackle, leaving Alt to remain on the left side. It would be believed that the Chargers would look into signing some veteran backups, as losing Slater is a massive issue that could affect the team down the line. There are plenty of available free agent offensive linemen that the Chargers could target, or they may wait until teams start trimming their rosters to 53 following the conclusion of training camp, leading to some quality players looking for their next team. The good news is that Slater has $92 million guaranteed on his contract, so he is good for the future, considering the injury and the tough rehab to make it back. The bad news is the Chargers are now at a massive loss. For more on the Chargers and NFL, head to Newsweek Sports.
Newsweek
14 hours ago
- Newsweek
Roman Anthony Drops 1-Word Message on Social Media After Signing Red Sox Contract
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The Boston Red Sox signed Roman Anthony to an eight-year, $130 million deal on Wednesday. According to The Athletic's Jen McCaffrey, it is the largest contract for any player on the team with fewer than 150 at-bats. Anthony was the No. 1 prospect in baseball coming into the season, and now the Red Sox have ensured that he will stay in Boston through at least 2033. Anthony posted a one-word message on Instagram after signing the deal. "Home," Anthony wrote on Instagram, accompanied by a picture of him in his Red Sox uniform. BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - AUGUST 6: Roman Anthony #19 of the Boston Red Sox speaks during a press conference announcing his 8-year $130 million contract extension before a game against the Kansas City Royals on August... BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - AUGUST 6: Roman Anthony #19 of the Boston Red Sox speaks during a press conference announcing his 8-year $130 million contract extension before a game against the Kansas City Royals on August 6, 2025 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. More Maddie Malhotra/BostonAnthony is slashing .276/.392/.417 in 47 games with the team. He noted that he wanted to move quickly when presented with an offer. "When the offer came through, it was something that I wanted to move quick on," Anthony said, per McCaffrey. "There was no doubt that this is where I wanted to play baseball for a long time." His deal can reach up to $230.2 million thanks to escalators and a $30 million club option for 2034. Anthony joins Ceddanne Rafaela and Kristian Campbell as part of the Red Sox's young core to sign early extensions. Marcelo Mayer has not signed an extension yet, but signing him would ensure that the long-awaited big three of Campbell, Anthony and Mayer will all remain in Boston for years to come. With the extension now squared away, the Red Sox and Anthony can focus on getting the team into the postseason and trying to make a deep run in October. More MLB: Yankees' Paul Goldschmidt Has 3 Words to Describe David Bednar's Stellar Outing
