With just under an hour until the MLB trade deadline, MLB Network's Jon Morosi dropped a bomb that stunned Boston Red Sox fans everywhere.
The insider posted on social media that No. 2 Red Sox prospect Roman Anthony was pulled from the Portland Sea Dogs' lineup.
Boston's manager Alex Cora shared before his squad's 7:10 game against the Mariners that the front office was still working the phones to get a deal done and insiders dropped hints about what the Sox pursued — nothing shook Red Sox Nation like the news that Anthony may be traded.
With Jack Flaherty, Garrett Crochet and Tyler Anderson among the available pitching talent at the time, Sox fans begged for their favorite in return for Anthony. Fans of other clubs jumped in as well, willing the young outfielder and top-100 prospect to their favorite organization.
MLB insider's Tweet about Roman Anthony sends Red Sox fans into panic
Roman Anthony was never in the lineup that was posted by Portland tonight. That’s very different than him getting scratched.
— Ian Cundall (@IanCundall) July 30, 2024
Luckily for Boston fans, though, Morosi was mistaken. Anthony had the day off and was never in the Sea Dogs' deadline day lineup to begin with. He later clarified that his absence wasn't trade-related, but not soon enough to prevent Sox fans from panicking and other fanbases from dreaming of a trade for Anthony.
The Red Sox's top three prospects — Anthony, Marcelo Mayer and Kyle Teel — have been regarded as "untouchable" in trades. The three players, aged 20, 21 and 22, respectively, are expected to be the future of the Red Sox organization. Boston's ownership has been reluctant to spend big because it hopes the "Big Three" will be the team's salvation.
Now, Red Sox Nation can rest assured Anthony will don a Sea Dogs uniform tomorrow, and hopefully, a Red Sox uniform next season.