It’s rare for a rookie to change a franchise’s fortunes overnight. But James Wood did just that for the Washington Nationals. A year after making his MLB debut, Wood has become a breakout star in the big leagues.
Now, the Red Sox are hoping Roman Anthony can follow a similar path and help bring a brighter future to Boston.
Roman Anthony Embraces Big League Pressure as Red Sox Rookie
Anthony isn’t pretending to have it all figured out, but he’s displayed quiet confidence every time he takes the plate for the Red Sox. MLB Pipeline’s No. 1 prospect believes there is no substitute for dealing with big league pressure other than experiencing it firsthand.
“It’s just one of those things. I think that you just have to, playing at a new level, even in the minor leagues, you just have to experience it,” Anthony remarked. “There’s no way to get ready for it other than to just be yourself and prepare and then, you know, experience it.”
Roman Anthony is hotter than hell. The breakout is here. Sit back and enjoy. pic.twitter.com/Zt5eSAVjUe
— Gordo (@BOSSportsGordo) July 1, 2025
Through his first 73 at-bats, Anthony is hitting .219 with a .701 OPS. While these are modest numbers, it’s not uncommon for a player to struggle during his first taste of big league pitching. The adjustment period often separates future stars from prospects who never reach their potential.
Anthony has primarily batted in the middle of the lineup during his early career. Following Rafael Devers’ trade to the San Francisco Giants, Anthony was bumped up to the No. 3 spot, and hasn’t been lower than fifth in the order. This move signals Boston’s trust in his long-term upside and their belief he can handle pressure situations.
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In only his seventh career game in the major leagues, Anthony smashed his first home run just a week into his MLB career. The milestone made him the second youngest player in Red Sox history to go deep, with the youngest being Devers at age 20. Anthony accomplished the feat when he was 21 years and 34 days old.
The young outfielder’s confidence shows in his approach at the plate. “I don’t think there’s been a time where I’ve gotten to the box and been like, ‘Wow, I have no chance,'” Anthony said.
James Wood’s Success Story Provides Blueprint for Anthony’s Future
After dominating the minors, expectations were high for Anthony, but he isn’t the first top prospect asked to deliver immediately. Just a year ago, Nationals superstar Wood debuted under similar circumstances.
Wood is now set to feature in the All-Star weekend’s Home Run Derby after slugging his way through a breakout season. He’s hitting .292/.395/.559 with an OPS of .954 and 23 home runs, establishing himself as one of baseball’s most exciting young talents.
The parallels between the two young stars are striking. A year ago, Wood was just a 21-year-old rookie, exactly like Anthony is now. Both players entered the majors with enormous expectations and the pressure to become franchise cornerstones.
Through their first 80 plate appearances, Wood went 16-for-73 with a .219 average, .603 OPS, two home runs, 12 RBI, 26 strikeouts, and six walks. Anthony, meanwhile, posted similar numbers: 14-for-70 with a .200 average, .637 OPS, one homer, seven RBI, 22 strikeouts, and 10 walks.
Juan Soto and James Wood enter the NL MVP conversation 👀 pic.twitter.com/oeHts0vu0O
— MLB (@MLB) July 2, 2025
The similarity extends beyond statistics to the narrative surrounding both players. Two highly talented rookies are adjusting to the game’s highest level while carrying the weight of franchises searching for their next star. Wood’s transformation from struggling rookie to All-Star candidate provides hope that Anthony can follow the same trajectory.
Both players possess the tools and mindset needed for success. Wood’s breakout proves that early struggles don’t define a career. For Anthony and Red Sox fans, Wood’s journey offers a roadmap for what’s possible when talent meets opportunity at the major league level.