Boston Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow thinks the world of Roman Anthony. Breslow also appears to think that Anthony is prepared to carry the Red Sox empire on his 21-year-old shoulders, a belief that might end up biting Boston.
In speaking with reporters this week, Breslow suggested that, contrary to fan and analyst opinion, the 2026 Red Sox lineup isn't lacking in power ... due in large part to Anthony. While Breslow also mentioned Wilyer Abreu and newcomer Willson Contreras in his remarks, it's obvious that Breslow and the Red Sox leadership have handed the offense's steering wheel over to Anthony.
Abreu is also at risk of being overwhelmed by this new responsibility from Breslow. Abreu is still just 26 years old and has never played more than 132 games in a season.
Anthony has appeared in only 71 total MLB games in his life. His generational talent is apparent, but that doesn't make up for his lack of experience, nor his youth.
Craig Breslow, Red Sox believe they have enough power in lineup
Breslow says Red Sox feel power will emerge from the group they have. Mentions Anthony, Abreu, Contreras as guys who can provide it.
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) February 9, 2026
On not adding that power bat: "At the same time, we have to adapt to the market... It's important we adapt and evolve."
Entrusting the health of an offense to a 21-year-old is unfair if not irresponsible, and the Red Sox should be familiar with the dangers of overwhelming their young stars, since they did so last season by throwing a boatload of defensive assignments at Kristian Campbell, which messed up his development at the plate.
The crucial importance of having Alex Bregman on this team was that he was the ultimate bridge between Boston's present and future. Bregman was the walking embodiment of the Red Sox's attempt to develop Anthony, Marcelo Mayer, and Campbell while winning now.
With Bregman gone, and with the gigantic shadow of Rafael Devers's bat still hanging over Fenway Park, Boston needs Anthony's development to pretty much zoom ahead to the part where he's a franchise superstar. That's a big ask, even considering how talented he is.
Of course, there are eight other bats in the lineup, and Boston is not completely lacking in pop, nor is it without veterans who can collectively provide the leadership that Bregman effused so singularly. The Red Sox will rely heavily on Trevor Story and Contreras to lead in the clubhouse and mash in the batter's box (and, first and foremost, stay healthy).
Let's not forget about Jarren Duran, either, presuming he isn't traded soon. At this point, Duran can be called a veteran leader in the Red Sox clubhouse. And if you're thinking it's premature to call the 29-year-old a vet, just remind yourself about the titles being bestowed upon the college-age Anthony heading into 2026.