Alex Cora Had Telling Clubhouse Admission Amid Roman Anthony Extension

Roman Anthony isn’t leaving the Boston Red Sox anytime soon.

The Red Sox announced an extension for their rookie outfielder on Wednesday. Anthony reportedly received an eight-year, $130 million deal worth up to $230 million if he hits contract escalators.

Alex Cora made his weekly radio appearance on “WEEI Afternoons” before the Red Sox finalized the deal. While the manager couldn’t discuss the contract, he made a noteworthy comment about how much respect Anthony and fellow newcomer Marcelo Mayer have already commanded among their teammates.

“Obviously, the kids have helped a lot,” Cora said. “And not only on the field, but in the clubhouse. Like when you walked in when I was a rookie, I would go to the veterans, right? Like [Gary] Sheffield, Bobby Bonilla, Devon White in LA. Now you see the veterans going to Roman and Marcelo.

“I mean, (the veterans) love it. They love just being around them. They want to win. That’s the cool thing about them.”

Anthony already looks like a polished veteran in the batter’s box, hitting .276/.392/.417 in his first 47 games. He hasn’t gone deep since July 7, but the 21-year-old has deposited 15 doubles and a 1.5 WAR since his June promotion.

Cora has heaped considerable praise on his rising young star. The World Series champion continued to commend Anthony when speaking to reporters before Wednesday’s loss to the Kansas City Royals.

“He’s a good baserunner, he’s a great hitter and he’s a great person,” Cora said. “He wants to win, and he’s shown it in interviews, the way he goes about his business.”

Mayer didn’t make the same offensive impact as Anthony before suffering a wrist injury, but the 22-year-old infielder played a strong third base while flashing power with a .173 ISO. He could be next in line to earn an extension as the Red Sox solidify their future.