The Boston Red Sox are pinning their hopes on a 21-year-old to be their primary power source—a move that’s as bold as it is risky. But here’s where it gets controversial: Roman Anthony, a young talent with undeniable potential, is being tasked with filling a void that’s glaringly obvious in the team’s lineup. The ZiPS projections are out, and they paint a sobering picture for Red Sox fans. When you dive into the numbers on Fangraphs, sorting by home runs, you’ll find the first Red Sox player tied for 127th place. Yes, you read that right—127th. And this is the part most people miss: Anthony, along with Trevor Story and Wilyer Abreu, is projected to hit just 18 home runs each, leading a lineup that lacks a clear powerhouse. For context, the Yankees have seven players projected to hit at least 20 home runs in 2026. Ouch.
But let’s dig deeper. The free agency market was brimming with power hitters the Red Sox could have pursued to address this gap. Players like Kyle Schwarber (projected 43 home runs), Pete Alonso (38), and Eugenio Suarez (35) were all within reach. Instead, the team is banking on internal solutions. Here’s the kicker: Recent history shows that World Series champions almost always have at least one player who can hit 30 or more home runs. It’s not just about the raw power—it’s about forcing opponents to adjust their strategy, creating opportunities for the rest of the lineup. The exceptions? A narrow six-year window between 2010 and 2015, when unique circumstances allowed teams like the 2015 Kansas City Royals and the pitching-driven San Francisco Giants to buck the trend.
So, does this mean the 2026 Red Sox need to mirror those Giants teams with elite pitching, or does someone need to step up and hit 30 home runs? The candidates are few. Wilyer Abreu showed promise before injuries sidelined him, and Trevor Story has a history of power—just not since leaving Coors Field. But all eyes are on Roman Anthony, who recently declared, ‘That’s the goal,’ with a seriousness that suggests he’s been working tirelessly this offseason. Yet, the front office is careful not to publicly pile pressure on him, even though their roster moves imply exactly that.
Here’s the bold question: Is it fair to expect a 21-year-old to carry this burden? Lou Merloni notes that Anthony is in the best shape of his life, but putting the weight of a franchise on such young shoulders is a gamble. The Red Sox need him to become a superstar—because if he doesn’t, they don’t have one. And that’s a risk that could define their season. What do you think? Is Roman Anthony up to the task, or should the Red Sox have pursued a proven power hitter? Let’s hear your take in the comments.
