Red Sox Anthony will get over early sophomore slump assumptions

After the first week of the 2026 season, Boston Red Sox future star Roman Anthony shows early signs of a sophomore slump. However, with a long season ahead, there is plenty of time to correct these early mistakes. 

Anthony faces high expectations after a strong rookie year and World Baseball Classic, but he's off to a slow start. In seven games, the soon-to-be-22-year-old is hitting .231 with 12 strikeouts, which is unexpected given his usual plate discipline. 

Following his opening day heroics with a 3-4 outing, he has simmered down considerably. Anthony knocked his first home run of the season on April Fool’s Day against the Houston Astros, courtesy of a pinch-hit solo shot. 

With fewer than 100 Major League games, Anthony faces pressure in a strong 2026 lineup. Over the next 155 games, he'll have both setbacks and chances to improve. 

Experiencing growing pains now, rather than during crucial summer games in the tough American League East, benefits Anthony and the playoff-minded Red Sox. He has time to adjust, and things are likely to fall into place. The hope is that it happens sooner, rather than later. 

Expectations have always been high for Anthony. He was baseball's top prospect before 2025 and proved he belonged by hitting .292 in 71 games. He showed power and comfort against big-league pitching—no small feat for a rookie. 

There should be no doubt that Anthony's early mistakes will soon be a thing of the past. He is set to become a Boston household name, and this is just the start. 

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