Red Sox’s Roman Anthony Reveals Mindset During Rookie Season

Red Sox rookie Roman Anthony is finally starting to look the part, but he’s always felt it.

Anthony, who has slashed .407/.696/.593 since June 27, discussed his mindset with Audacy’s Rob Bradford prior to Friday’s series-opening win against the Washington Nationals.

Verdict?

Boston got itself a good one.

“It’s just one of those things, I think that you just have to, playing at a new level, even in the minor leagues, you just have to experience it,” Anthony said. “There’s no way to get ready for it other than to just be yourself and prepare and then, you know, experience it.

“I don’t think there’s been a time where I’ve gotten to the box and been like,’ ‘Wow, I have no chance… Hey, you know you belong here, and you’re here for a reason, and this guy’s at the same level that I am.'”

Anthony’s confidence is earned, but it has also been slowly instilled into him by the organization.

The Red Sox have placed him at the top of the order, and they’ve let him work through whatever growing pains come with being a top prospect still within his first few weeks in the big leagues. Alex Cora has kept him active against left-handed pitchers, while also giving him some serious exposure therapy in right field.

It’s been sink or swim, and thus far, the kid is doing the freestyle.