The Boston Red Sox have had a disastrous 2026 season. Entering Monday, the team sits at 19-27 and in last place in the American League East. Just about everything has gone wrong, and it starts with the disappointing season from right fielder Roman Anthony.
Anthony had an impressive debut campaign in 2025 that earned him a eight-year, $130 million contract extension last August.
His production helped Boston reach the postseason for the first time since 2021, though he did not play due to a season-ending left oblique strain.
This year, injuries have once again been an issue. Anthony is currently on the 10-day injured list with a right wrist sprain.
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Anthony originally suffered the injury on May 4 during a game against the Detroit Tigers. He attempted a check swing, and the force on his wrist caused the setback. Since then, he has made progress in his recovery.
He was initially placed in a brace for a couple of weeks, but after receiving a cortisone injection, the brace was removed, and he resumed baseball activities last week.
Unfortunately, ahead of Monday’s series opener against the Kansas City Royals, Anthony suffered a setback.
“Roman Anthony took some swings today but had some soreness. The Red Sox will back him off from swinging until after Thursday's offday,” reported Ian Browne of MLB.com.
This will lengthen Anthony’s absence, and if the soreness continues, the Red Sox could shut him down entirely, which is the last thing the club needs right now.
With Anthony’s timeline still unclear, the timing could not be worse for Boston. They need him back and producing. Through his first 30 games this year, Anthony posted a .229 batting average, .354 on-base percentage, .675 OPS, one home run and five RBIs, experiencing a clear sophomore slump.
Boston needs to start stacking wins soon, otherwise it is looking more and more likely they could become sellers at this year’s trade deadline.
