Red Sox Young Star To Play For Team USA In World Baseball Classic

The World Baseball Classic is once again returning to the United States, and Team USA finalized its roster during the first week of February. Outfielder Corbin Carroll, who made the initial roster, has unfortunately had to withdraw his name due to a hand surgery he recently underwent. This left and open spot has now been filled by the Boston Red Sox’s 21-year-old phenom, Roman Anthony, barring a physical.

The Red Sox called Anthony up on June 9, 2025. He went on to have 75 hits in 71 games played in his rookie season with 32 RBI and 27 XBH. His season was tragically cut short with an oblique injury suffered just before the postseason began.

The announcement not only means that Red Sox fans will have another player to root for when their country squares off against the world, but it will give Anthony valuable experience competing at a high level while learning from the best talent this country has to offer.

He becomes the 12th player on the Red Sox roster to represent their nation in the tournament.

That list includes: Wilyer Abreu (Venezuela), Jarren Duran (Mexico), Nate Eaton (Great Britain), Ceddanne Rafaela (Netherlands), Masataka Yoshida (Japan), Willson Contreras (Venezuela), Brayan Bello (Dominican Republic), Ranger Suárez (Venezuela), Jovani Morán (Puerto Rico), Greg Weissert (Italy) and Whitlock (USA).

Manager Alex Cora says he does not believe there is any added injury risk in the tournament.

“If the guys are healthy and they’re willing to play, we’re good with it,” Cora said as quoted by Chris Cotillo of MassLive. “They’re going to be playing baseball here and it (injuries) can happen … Hopefully, whoever goes, they stay healthy and they come back.”