Best Hitter Red Sox Have Developed Since? Roman Anthony Earns High Praise

Boston Red Sox prospect Roman Anthony last week was named the top prospect in all of baseball by Baseball America.

Baseball America’s Geoff Pontes joined NESN’s Tom Caron on the latest episode of NESN’s “310 To Left” podcast and broke down the process while explaining why the Red Sox slugger earned the elevation. In doing so, Pontes referred to Anthony as the best hitter the organization has developed since Mookie Betts and noted some similarities Anthony has to Red Sox legend Manny Ramirez.

“You’re probably looking at a long-term corner outfielder. Better defensively than Manny Ramirez, but I do think as somebody who grew up watching a lot of Manny Ramirez, there’s a lot of similarities,” Pontes said. “Just in terms of that plate approach, that big power, the ability to change a game with a single swing. Somebody who does balance batting average and low strikeout numbers, with big power, with on-base ability.

“I do think this is the best hitter they’ve developed since that point,” Pontes said in reference to Betts. “Just in terms of what the ceiling is.”

Pontes believes Anthony is in line with some of Boston’s best power-hitting lefties.

Anthony spoke with NESN.com’s Tim Crowley in Triple-A Worcester last week after earning the recognition.

“Nothing really changes,” Anthony told NESN.com. “The idea of showing up every day and continuing to get better. Continuing to handle the task at hand right now, which is to help this team win. To help get better and really dial in on the little things. That hasn’t changed all year and that won’t change, even going into the offseason. Nothing really changes.”

For more on Anthony, including a 1-on-1 conversation with the 20-year-old slugger, check out NESN’s “310 To Left” on YouTube and Spotify.