Roman Anthony is supposed to be that guy for the Boston Red Sox. The next big thing for the franchise. And everyone from the fans and baseball world is hyped up with him. But Tony Massarotti, a well-respected voice in his popular “Felger and Mazz” podcast questioned Anthony’s status and ability in the game. “This is the guy who’s regarded as the number one prospect in the game? How is a guy the number one prospect in the game if his defense sucks?”

And while most in Boston wouldn’t want to turn a blind eye to someone calling out their prospect, it does make sense because his defense is a red flag. Anthony has spent time in all three outfield spots in the minors; however, reading the ball off the bat has been a huge issue for him. He tends to rely on his reaction time and his speed. And this isn’t great for a player who is supposed to be filling in the role of an everyday outfielder in the majors.

The insider even mentioned that Anthony might just end up being forced to be a DH. Wherever there is hype, there is criticism. So, Anthony himself is not reading much into it and has a rather bold clap back to the statements.

The slugger mentioned, “I know at least for myself, I love proving people wrong. I love feeding off of that. And I love the fact that Boston fans are always, even regardless of where your team is at or the record, they’re always passionate.” If there is one thing he may have learned, it is that scrutiny kind of comes in this line of work. And this is only just the beginning, and his entire career is still left. But the question now is—is he even valuable to the Boston Red Sox?

And the answer is YES! Because there is his bat, and it’s where he shines. Last season between Double-A Portland and Triple-A Worcester, he smashed 18 home runs and brought in 65 RBIs. Sure, he has defensive concerns, but the offense is good enough to keep clinching on that top prospect role. And the team believes in him too.

For now, even though Roman Anthony has not made his debut with the Boston Red Sox in MLB, he is dreaming of what it would be like. “Taking on challenges like that is something I’m super excited to be a part of and to learn about when I’m actually there. Obviously, I haven’t been there yet, so I can’t speak on it. But it’s something that I’m excited to take on.” So he seems confident that he is good enough to be there. And he is already taking in tips from the Boston Red Sox’s stars!

Roman Anthony is learning from Boston Red Sox’s best

Right now, Roman Anthony isn’t just busy soaking in all the limelight. He is also working towards becoming worthy of getting into MLB. So spring training has been more than just drills for him. It’s more like a school, and there Alex Bregman and Walker Buehler are his professors. Bregman in particular has taken Anthony, along with Marcelo Mayer and Kristian Campbell, under his wing. Anthony mentioned to MassLive, “He’s really gone out of his way to take some time and get to know us.” Now this is not a small deal!

Getting knowledge from a franchise cornerstone, a guy who won a World Series, is huge. As for Buehler, he is a two-time all-star, making these lessons they are getting all the better. And this mentorship couldn’t have come at a better time. The Boston Red Sox have just lost not one but three key players this offseason. J.D. Martinez, Xander Bogaerts, and Rafael Devers leaving have left a gap. The question was—who would replace them? Now with Anthony, Mayer, and Campbell, there is a hope that a new core is in the making.

Even Dwight Evans, a Boston Red Sox legend, noticed the three players, and that says a lot. He was not impressed but in awe. And for a person who spent around 20 years in red to find something attention-grabbing—well isn’t that huge. For now, Anthony said, “We push each other so much… we talk crap to each other, but it makes us better.” So it remains to see if Boston’s next era is coming in soon. Or is it already here? What do you think? Let us know in the comments.

Boston’s next era? It might already be here.