Overview
- Manager Alex Cora confirmed Roman Anthony will lead off this season and used him in that spot in the Grapefruit League opener and again on Sunday.
- Cora said Sunday’s spring lineup is likely an Opening Day preview, with Anthony leading off as designated hitter, Trevor Story batting second, Jarren Duran third, and Willson Contreras hitting cleanup.
- Wilyer Abreu, Caleb Durbin, Ceddanne Rafaela, Carlos Narváez, and Isiah Kiner-Falefa rounded out Sunday’s order, though Marcelo Mayer could factor at second base depending on spring performance.
- Anthony excelled atop the order in 2025, producing a .336/.439/.564 line with six home runs in his leadoff games and posting a .396 on-base percentage overall across 71 games before an oblique injury.
- Cora framed the choice in the modern power-leadoff mold, citing Mookie Betts and George Springer, while Anthony, 21, said he is all in on the role.