Here’s a bold statement: the Boston Red Sox might just have their next legend in the making, and his name is Roman Anthony. But here’s where it gets even more intriguing—none other than David Ortiz, the Hall of Famer who defined an era of Red Sox greatness, is the one singing his praises. ‘He’s the full package,’ Ortiz declared, and when Big Papi speaks, baseball listens.
During his 14-year tenure with the Red Sox, Ortiz wasn’t just a player—he was a phenomenon. Three World Series championships, countless iconic moments, and a legacy that cemented him as one of the franchise’s all-time greats. So when he spots talent, it’s worth paying attention to. And according to Ortiz, Anthony isn’t just a rising star; he’s a future powerhouse.
‘Great kid, very mature for his age, he wants it, and he adjusted himself to this level very fast,’ Ortiz told the Herald. ‘I expect him to stay healthy, and I know he’s going to dominate in this league.’ Bold words, but coming from someone who’s been there, done that, they carry weight. And this is the part most people miss—Ortiz isn’t just observing from afar; he’s actively mentoring Anthony, passing down the wisdom that made him a legend.
Ortiz’s presence in Fort Myers this week wasn’t just a casual visit. After morning drills at JetBlue Park, he took time to connect with the 21-year-old outfielder, a relationship that Anthony describes as deeply meaningful. ‘He’s always been great to me,’ Anthony shared. ‘Even when I was just a prospect, he made sure I knew his phone was always open. He checks in on me, he checks in on my family—it means a ton, especially coming from someone who achieved so much.’
But let’s pause for a moment—is it too soon to crown Anthony as the next face of the franchise? After a breakout rookie season that earned him an eight-year, $130 million contract extension, the Red Sox are certainly betting on it. Yet, the pressure to follow in Ortiz’s footsteps is no small feat. Can Anthony live up to the hype? Only time will tell.
What’s undeniable, though, is the wealth of knowledge Anthony has at his fingertips. ‘We’re lucky to be around guys like him, Pedro, Dewey, Jim Rice—all these legends,’ Anthony said. ‘There’s so much to learn, and David has been the one who’s always super open to helping out.’
Beyond Anthony, Ortiz is bullish on the 2026 Red Sox as a whole. He’s particularly impressed with the team’s pitching staff, a point that might spark some debate. ‘Good pitching is always going to stop good offense,’ he said. ‘With the pitching we have, I don’t think we’ll need to score 10 runs to win a game.’ But here’s the controversial part—is pitching alone enough to carry the team to another championship? While Ortiz believes so, others might argue that the offense still needs a significant boost.
Speaking of offense, Ortiz admits there’s room for improvement. ‘Do we need probably another thunder in the lineup? Yes,’ he said. ‘But I like it when they look at us as an underdog.’ And that’s the kicker—the Red Sox have always thrived when counted out. Could this be the year they prove the doubters wrong?
So, here’s the question for you: Do you think Roman Anthony has what it takes to become the next David Ortiz? And is the 2026 Red Sox roster truly championship material? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments—agree or disagree, the debate is wide open!
