Roman Anthony will keep setting the table for the Boston Red Sox this season.
Red Sox manager Alex Cora indicated that Anthony will bat atop the lineup card, a role the outfielder filled to close his rookie campaign. Anthony is first in a Sunday batting order that appears to closely resemble Cora's in-season plans.
Anthony discussed his leadoff assignment with reporters on Saturday, via NESN's X account.
"I felt really comfortable in the leadoff spot last year, but ultimately just want to do anything to help the team win," Anthony said. "And if that's what A.C. feels like gives us the best chance, then I'm all in."
Roman Anthony on batting in the #RedSox leadoff spot this season: "If that's what A.C. feels like gives us the best chance then I'm all in." 😤 pic.twitter.com/tkp9bEsLQy
— NESN (@NESN) February 21, 2026
Anthony registered a .396 on-base percentage last season. He particularly excelled as the leadoff hitter, batting .336/.439/.564 in 31 games.
The young left-handed hitter embraced the No. 1 spot last year and is eager to keep fueling the Red Sox lineup.
"It's something for me that I take with a lot of pride," Anthony said. "Getting the boys going and trying to get on base. I think that first inning, if you can do some damage or just score some runs in the top first, bottom first, I think that's huge in a baseball game. Kind of changing the momentum."
Anthony appreciated the magnitude of starting a game as Boston's first batter. He could hit ahead of Trevor Story and Jarren Duran to begin the 2026 season.
"It's a huge at-bat," Anthony said. "Not one I ever take for granted, so I'm looking forward to it."
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