Alex Bregman Puts Big Expectations On Red Sox Rookie With Comparison

Roman Anthony has been a highly touted prospect for years. He was ranked the number one prospect in baseball by multiple outlets, and Boston Red Sox fans called for his promotion to the big leagues as soon as he was promoted to Triple-A Worcester

Now that he’s arrived, he’s making his mark. Through his first 40 career games, he’s hitting .267 with 16 extra-base hits. He controls the strike zone well, rarely ever chasing pitches. While his passiveness has led to some strikeouts, he’s also walking 14% of the time.

On Sunday against the Los Angeles Dodgers, he hit a ball off the Green Monster in the fifth inning. Dodgers outfielder Michael Conforto misplayed the ball, and Anthony ended up on third base with his first career triple. Alex Bregman then hit a home run on the first pitch of his at-bat to give the Red Sox a lead. Bregman was quick to give credit to Anthony for his triple after the game.

“Roman [Anthony], he’s been swinging the bat exceptionally well all series,” Bregman said. “That triple was huge. The baserunning to get to third base there was awesome. It simplified my approach, just drive something to the outfield and I was fortunate to get it out of here.”

Anthony has already grown into an important contributor for the Red Sox. He hit leadoff for the first time on Sunday. He’s hit in the top four of the lineup for most of his games since being promoted.

It’s not the first time Bregman has seen a rookie come to the league and contribute immediately. It reminded him of his time with the Houston Astros.

“[Anthony] is gonna be a special, special player. It’s definitely fun hitting in front of or behind him in this lineup. It reminds me of earlier in my career when Yordan Alvarez got called up. That’s my player comp for him,” Bregman said.

In 12 career regular-season games at Fenway, Alvarez has hit .488 with seven home runs and five doubles. If Anthony is half as successful in Fenway, the Red Sox will have a star on their hands.