Getting to know Roman Anthony
The good times keep rolling in for the Red Sox, with the team managing another bit of significant positive news Wednesday.
According to ESPN's Jeff Passan, the Red Sox and Roman Anthony have agreed to an eight-year, $130 million contract extension that will include a club option and keeps the outfielder under team control through 2034. The deal is pending a physical. Between the club option and escalators, the deal can max out at $230 million.
Anthony had told WEEI.com that there were contract extension talks in spring training and during his time at Triple-A Worcester, but he hadn't engaged in discussions through the first month of his big league career.
The 21-year-old made his major league debut on June 9 and has already established himself as one of the best hitters in the American League throughout his 46 games.
Anthony's on-base percentage since joining the Red Sox stands at .400, which is sixth-best over that span in the American League. He has reached base in 35 of 38 games since June 18, hitting .321 with a .905 during the stretch.
The deal buys out all six years of the club's control, including two free agent years (and possibly a third with the club option). If he finishes in the top two in American League Rookie of the Year voting, Anthony would be credited with a full season of service time, meaning the extension buys out three years of free agency.
The Red Sox have now signed Brayan Bello, Ceddanne Rafaela, Kristian Campbell and Anthony to contract extensions, all within the first two years of their big league careers.