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Alex Cora Installs Roman Anthony as Red Sox Leadoff Hitter for 2026 Season

Cora cites a mix of power with plate discipline.

Roman Anthony hit well in the leadoff spot for the Red Sox last season.
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Boston, MA: Boston Red Sox rookie outfielder Roman Anthony (left) signed an eight year contract with the team today. Here he gets a hug from manager Alex Cora in the dugout before the game. (Jim Davis/Boston Herald).

Overview

  • Anthony will bat first in Saturday’s Grapefruit League opener against the Twins, and Cora indicated he is set to lead off on Opening Day in Cincinnati on March 26.
  • "It can be 1-0 very quick or it’s a quality at-bat," Cora said in explaining the decision.
  • The 21-year-old posted a .292 average, .396 on-base percentage, eight home runs, a 140 OPS+ and roughly 3.1 bWAR in 71 games in 2025, finishing third in AL Rookie of the Year voting.
  • After moving to the top of the order late last season, Anthony hit .336/.439/.564 with six homers over 31 games as the leadoff man, including strong results leading off games.
  • Anthony’s rookie year ended Sept. 2 with an oblique injury, he is back atop the order this spring, his offseason extension was widely reported at roughly $130 million, and Willson Contreras is slated to hit cleanup.