The Boston Red Sox are in a tricky spot, and it's all about power-hitting! They're counting on Roman Anthony to be their home run hero, but is that enough?
The ZiPS projections are out, and they're not kind to the Red Sox's power department. When you look at the individual player projections on Fangraphs, you'll find a Red Sox player tied for 127th in home runs. Yes, you read that right. The team's power numbers are not exactly awe-inspiring.
Anthony, Trevor Story, and Wilyer Abreu are projected to lead the team with 18 home runs each, but is that enough to compete? Especially when you consider that the Yankees have seven players projected to hit 20+ home runs in 2026, according to the same ZiPS projections.
And here's where it gets interesting: several free agents who could have solved this power shortage were available, like Kyle Schwarber, Pete Alonso, and Eugenio Suarez. These players are projected to hit 35+ home runs, a significant upgrade.
So, does this power shortage matter? Absolutely! Recent history suggests that World Series champions often have at least one player hitting 30+ home runs. It's not just about the raw power; it's about creating a strategic advantage in the postseason.
The exceptions to this rule are rare and occurred in a unique period between 2010 and 2015, when the game was transitioning from the steroid era to the launch angle era. The 2015 Kansas City Royals and the San Francisco Giants teams of that era were exceptions, but they had exceptional pitching and played in hitter-unfriendly environments.
The Red Sox have two options: either their pitching staff becomes elite, or someone steps up to hit those 30 home runs. Wilyer Abreu and Trevor Story are potential candidates, but Roman Anthony is the one to watch. He's young, and while he downplayed the pressure, he's got the talent to deliver.
The front office may not admit it, but they're relying on Anthony. He's already one of Boston's best players, and they need him to become a superstar. Without him, the lineup lacks that crucial power punch.
Is this a fair burden for a young player? What do you think? Is the pressure on Roman Anthony justified, or should the Red Sox look elsewhere for their power solution?
