Red Sox Legend Praises Roman Anthony, Contract Extension
Boston Red Sox legend David Ortiz is hosting his 17th annual celebrity golf tournament down in Florida this weekend. The goal is to raise nearly $2 million for charity.
MLB.com’s Ian Browne caught up with Ortiz on Friday, and the Hall of Famer had some special praise for Red Sox rookie Roman Anthony.
“He brought too much to the table for being 21. He has the talent, it’s unquestionable. Plus he has the maturity,” Ortiz told Browne.
Anthony, who finished third in the AL Rookie of the Year race despite playing just 71 games this season, is already an incredibly polished hitter for his age. He’s poised both on and off the field, as nothing seems to faze him.
Ortiz also praised Boston for locking up Anthony to an eight-year, $130 million contract extension this summer. Not only will it keep Anthony in a Red Sox uniform for the foreseeable future, but it also allows him to focus on baseball without worrying about his financial security or offseason negotiations.
“The Red Sox aren’t famous on giving big deals to young players that early. I think it was a wonderful move to sign him right away so he just has to worry about coming to the field and being ready to whoop (expletive),” Ortiz said.
Ortiz had frequent contract disputes during his 14 seasons with Boston, so he knows how much of a headache and a distraction they can be. Fortunately, Anthony won’t have to deal with those anytime soon.