Boston Red Sox fans got an early look at a group that will be close to the Opening Day roster that takes the field on March 26 at Great American Ballpark. Manager Alex Cora told reporters that his February 22 Grapefruit League lineup would be close to the group that takes the field opposite the Cincinnati Reds on March 26.
Cora left room for some things to change before the Sox start their season at Great American Ballpark, but some positions are already certain. One of those is Roman Anthony in the leadoff spot.
Cora officially announced Anthony as his leadoff hitter the day before Boston fielded its lookalike Opening Day lineup. Anthony's position at the top of the order felt almost like a foregone conclusion, barring a huge rebound from Jarren Duran or another unforeseen breakout.
Despite Anthony's young age and the pressures of being a former top prospect, he belongs in the leadoff spot of the Sox's order. Boston used him there during its playoff chase last season and he delivered massively — Anthony slashed .320/.370/.560 with a .930 OPS over 27 plate appearances as the first batter of the game.
Despite his age and inexperience, Roman Anthony belongs in the leadoff spot for the Red Sox
Roman Anthony on batting in the #RedSox leadoff spot this season: "If that's what A.C. feels like gives us the best chance then I'm all in." 😤 pic.twitter.com/tkp9bEsLQy
— NESN (@NESN) February 21, 2026
If his first 71 games in MLB are any indication, Anthony could be the best hitter in the Red Sox's lineup in short order. He batted .292/.396/.463 with an .859 OPS, 140 OPS+, he accumulated 3.1 bWAR and placed third in the American League Rookie of the Year race during his big league stint that lasted less than a third of the season.
Anthony's ability to meet the moment in the leadoff spot extends beyond his offensive prowess. The recent top prospect is still 21-years-old but has the composure of a multi-year veteran in the batter's box and in front of a microphone.
"I felt really comfortable in the leadoff spot last year but, ultimately, just want to do anything to help the team win and if that's what A.C. feels like gives us the best chance then I'm all-in," Anthony said to NESN of his lineup spot. "...It's something, for me, that I take with a lot of pride, getting the boys going, trying to get on base... if you can do some damage in that first inning, score some runs top first, bottom first, I think that's huge in a baseball game."
Anthony is young and inexperienced at the big league level, but the Red Sox and MLB are embracing him as a star for a reason. He's proven that he can thrive in the leadoff spot and Cora is right to trust him there to get his team going.