Fantasy managers have anxiously waited for the Boston Purple Sox to advertise OF Roman Anthony, arguably the highest prospect within the sport. They’ve lastly gotten their want, with the Purple Sox putting beginning OF Wilyer Abreu on the injured record. Anthony ought to immediately turn into an everyday in the course of the Boston lineup.
Anthony, 21, excelled at Triple-A Worcester, slashing .288/.423/.491 with 10 dwelling runs over 58 video games and 265 PA, whereas drawing practically as many walks as strikeouts. He additionally rocketed a 497-foot grand slam in Saturday’s sport, at an exit velocity of 115.6 mph, making it clear he’s a particular expertise.
Anthony started Monday out there in additional than 85% of ESPN customary leagues, and he needs to be among the many most-added gamers — if not the most added — quickly. His is a mature plate strategy with sturdy pitch recognition and, whereas the big-league outcomes for different latest Purple Sox prospects have not been superior (Kristian Campbell, Marcelo Mayer), most imagine Anthony will succeed.
Time will inform, however evaluating Anthony to Campbell or some other prospect is a waste of time. Every hitter should make correct changes to prime pitching, and Anthony has confirmed able to doing so within the excessive minors. Drawing walks at a persistently excessive clip (higher than 18%) over the previous three seasons is a good signal, as is his capability to hit left-handed pitching.
The Purple Sox do not want Anthony to steer their lineup. They want a stable, constant contributor. It definitely seems Anthony can do that. As with all unproven rookies, fantasy managers needs to be affected person, however the outcomes needs to be there.