Red Sox get 142-game target from ESPN for 21-year-old superstar slugger

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Red Sox get 142-game target from ESPN for 21-year-old superstar slugger originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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The Boston Red Sox are coming into 2026 with a revamped roster, as they've built up a contending roster both in the lineup, the bullpen, and especially in the rotation.

Craig Breslow has built a contender, but there is one key player for this team that needs to have a big impact in 2026. That player is 21-year-old superstar Roman Anthony.

ESPN's Bradford Doolittle set a lofty benchmark for Anthony entering the 2026 season. Not with an on-field performance, but rather regarding how many games Anthony will play this season.

Red Sox need Roman Anthony to play 142+ games per ESPN

"Pivotal number: 71. That's the number of games Anthony played as a rookie," Doolittle writes. "... All signs are that Anthony is ready to explode on the American League. The Red Sox really need that number to double, at least. The forecasts like Boston's position entering the season. If the Red Sox win their way into a playoff slot, they need Anthony to be healthy then, too."

While needing a team's stars to be healthy is an obvious requirement for any team to meet their preseason expectations, this scenario is a bit different.

The Red Sox have the depth to make do if Anthony misses anytime. But, the main point for the Red Sox isn't about simply making-do, it's about Anthony turning into the superstar he seems like he can be.

Anthony was great in his limited action last season, and there's no telling how good he could be in 2026 over the course of a full season.

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But, in a very competitive AL East with the New York Yankees, Toronto Blue Jays, and revamped Baltimore Orioles, the Red Sox need all of the help they can get.

Anthony playing 142 games, especially if it coincides with his expected breakout, could mean the Red Sox aren't just a simple postseason team, but possible World Series contenders.

Getting the soon-to-be 22-year-old Anthony onto the field as much as possible would be massive for Boston. While his 2025 totals were a product of an early-summer call-up and late-season injury, Anthony's playing time will be of note this season.

Not only does Anthony need to be in the lineup essentially every day for the Red Sox, but he needs to stay healthy as well. He's a key to the Red Sox finding success this year, as Doolittle's 142-game goal is a very good target for Anthony in year-two.

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