Roman Anthony Predicted To ‘Get MVP Votes’ During 2026 MLB Season

Boston Red Sox outfielder Roman Anthony finished third in the 2025 AL Rookie of the Year voting despite playing in only 71 games.

Could the 21-year-old be an AL MVP contender during the 2026 MLB season?

Anthony officially joined Team USA on Monday for the upcoming World Baseball Classic and manager Mark DeRosa had high praise for the former second-round pick.

The MLB Network analyst and former big leaguer predicted that Anthony will earn some MVP consideration this year.

“‘Roman fits right into our lineup in left field,’ Team USA manager Mark DeRosa told the Globe. ‘Love his defense, love the upside, how he controls the strike zone. I think he’ll get MVP votes this season,'” Peter Abraham of The Boston Globe posted on Bluesky. “DeRosa said Alex Bregman pushed hard for Anthony after Cobin Carroll was injured.”

"Roman fits right into our lineup in left field," Team USA manager Mark DeRosa told the Globe. "Love his defense, love the upside, how he controls the strike zone. I think he'll get MVP votes this season."DeRosa said Alex Bregman pushed hard for Anthony after Cobin Carroll was injured.

— Peter Abraham (@peteabeglobe.bsky.social) 2026-02-16T16:43:55.548Z

The left-handed hitting slugger finished his rookie season with eight home runs, 32 RBIs and a .292/.396/.463 slash line across 303 plate appearances.