The Boston Red Sox seem to have finally made the best use of the cash they saved by shipping Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants. Guess what they did? Well, they have signed arguably the most surprising contract extension, rookie sensation Roman Anthony, for a massive $130 million for eight years. So far, the 21-year-old phenom has 29 major league at-bats to his name and is now signed through 2033. “I knew that this is where I wanted to be, and I’m having a blast. And I just wanted to continue that,” said Anthony during a recent news conference.
His $130 million deal could balloon to a stunning $230 million if Anthony reaches certain expectations. On Wednesday, across four at-bats, the 22-year-old was hitless, including a 327-foot high fly ball that was caught by Royals outfielder Mike Yastrzemski. Currently, Anthony is batting .276 with two home runs and 19 RBIs across 47 games.
You see, it’s barely been months since June, and Anthony has notched a stunning contract that will keep him in Boston. Since his call-up to the majors, the Red Sox have been riding high with 32-16, including a 10-game winning streak before the All-Star break.
And guess what? Since he’s signed the contract, the Red Sox are riding another seven-game winning streak. Look, he was the No. 1 prospect in the sport once. The league has seen him make an impact with a major league team in over 150 at-bats.
What the Red Sox have done right now, the Cincinnati Reds should have done two years ago with Elly De La Cruz. The Reds have now missed their turn to sign the shortstop for a reasonable deal.
Image: MLB.com
As it seems, it’ll be difficult for the Reds to afford a long-term deal with him. The guy made his second All-Star game appearance this year. Plus, he is currently hitting a slash line of .279/.356/.478 with 19 home runs and 73 RBI this season.
De La Cruz may easily be one of the best on the Reds roster. Sure, the Reds can still try to sign the star shortstop. But they must know that his price tag has gone way up over the last two years. Before 2024, some believed that he might sign a contract similar to the one Anthony agreed to with the Red Sox. But now, any contract on the table would just be double that. Another factor in play is Elly De La Cruz’s agent, Scott Boras, who has a thing for higher bids. He has established his identity to take his clients through the arbitration process and into free agency to get the best market value.
Very recently, even two of the legendary shortstops praised the Reds’ star.
Derek Jeter and A-Rod on the Reds’ shortstop De La Cruz
Turns out, both A-Rod and Derek Jeter are big fans of the Reds superstar. “He’s someone everyone needs to see.” Said Jeter during a FOX show before the MLB Speedway Classic. “This is what I hope for the baseball world, the Reds; whether it is this year or next year, they need to get into the postseason.”
“Tonight, America gets to see what could be the best player in the game for the next 15 years,” Rodriguez said as the Reds went against the Atlanta Braves at Bristol Motor Speedway. After all, De La Cruz has been riding high in almost all the categories.
Last year, he had a 31.3% strikeout rate. Now, in 2025, it has dropped down to 24.5%. His walk rate has also increased in a span of just one year from 9.9% to 10.7%.
The Reds have got their superstar, and as it seems, it would be a big mistake to let him go. At the same time, it’ll be tough meeting his price tag. He’s currently in his second full season, and the shortstop has already established his name as one of the best in the league.
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