Roman Anthony ready to play in World Baseball Classic final FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Roman Anthony’s latest heroics in the World Baseball Classic, a go-ahead solo home run that propelled Team USA to a 2-1 semifinal victory over the Dominican Republic, left his Red Sox teammates in awe. The 21-year-old’s performance underscored his growing reputation as a clutch performer on the international stage. Anthony’s clutch hit in the semifinals came just days after he delivered a three-run homer in a 5-3 win over Mexico, further solidifying his role as a key contributor for Team USA. With six games under his belt in the tournament, he now boasts a .318 batting average, .423 on-base percentage, .591 slugging percentage, two home runs, and a team-leading seven RBIs. His standout performance has positioned him to face either Italy or Venezuela in the final, set for 8 p.m. ET on FOX. Teammates have praised Anthony’s poise and confidence, noting that his ability to thrive in high-pressure moments is nothing short of remarkable. Red Sox shortstop Trevor Story called him “a special kid,” emphasizing that Anthony’s success was anticipated despite his age and relative inexperience. “He’s earned it by the way he goes about his business,” Story said. “It’s crazy to think he’s doing this at 21, but he’s made it look natural.” Anthony’s journey to this point has been rapid. Just three years ago, he was a high school freshman who secured tickets to the 2023 WBC final by arranging a road trip with Minor League teammates. The group watched Team USA face Japan in a thrilling matchup, with Shohei Ohtani striking out Mike Trout to clinch the title for Japan. Now, Anthony has the chance to avenge that loss as the starting left fielder, a role he assumed after Arizona’s Corbin Carroll was sidelined with a broken hamate bone.#world_baseball_classic #team_usa #roman_anthony #red_sox #trevor_story
Massive Red Sox Prospect Mentored by David Ortiz Making Waves David Ortiz, the Hall of Fame slugger, has remained a towering figure in baseball even after retiring, offering guidance to young players in Red Sox camp. His influence recently extended to a 19-year-old prospect, Justin Gonzales, who has stunned the league with his raw talent and potential. Standing at 6-foot-6 and 277 pounds, Gonzales has emerged as one of the Red Sox’s top prospects, currently ranked No. 6 by MLB Pipeline. His standout performances in spring training have drawn attention, particularly after hitting a single measured at 117.3 mph off the bat, the second-hardest hit ball in MLB this spring. Gonzales, originally signed as an international free agent from the Dominican Republic for $250,000 in 2024, made an immediate impact with the Red Sox. He earned the club’s Latin Program Player of the Year award and debuted in the majors in 2025, batting .281 with four home runs, 23 doubles, 12 stolen bases, and a .753 OPS in 93 games, mostly at Low-A Salem. His power stroke has been a focal point, with exit velocities rivaling those of stars like Shohei Ohtani, Aaron Judge, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Ortiz, who has taken Gonzales under his wing, praised the young slugger’s potential. “Oh my god, he’s a big kid man,” Ortiz told the Herald. “I hope he stays healthy and continues working extremely hard. He’s got so many tools to begin to be a superstar.” Gonzales, who described Ortiz as “like a father to me,” echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of discipline and technique. “We don’t need to try to hit the ball hard, that happens naturally. We just need to find the barrel and hit the ball in the air,” he said, reflecting Ortiz’s teachings. Gonzales’ spring training appearances with the big league club have been pivotal.#world_baseball_classic #shohei_ohtani #david_ortiz #justin_gonzales #red_sox
