When the team is underperforming with a top prospect tearing up the minors, it naturally triggers scrutiny across the league. At this point, keeping Roman Anthony in Triple-A is a decision that continues to puzzle many, especially given the scuffling lineup of the Boston Red Sox. Craig Breslow, the team’s chief baseball officer, has maintained a clear stance on Anthony’s delay in the major leagues. Despite being ranked as the no. 1 prospect, per MLB Pipeline, Breslow insists that Anthony needs to refine his game more. To be precise, handling “breaking balls in the zone.” But with every next game opening without Anthony, Breslow is becoming the lightning rod for criticism.
According to Breslow, all the decisions around call-ups are ‘intentionally’ unemotional. Apparently, it’s in order to avoid short-sighted moves based on the sense of emotion or urgency. “It’s really difficult to predict that someone is going to be successful out of the gate,” he said in an interview with ESPN.
However, not many are on the same page as Breslow, especially the former Red Sox star Eric Hosmer. To Breslow’s justification on Anthony’s delay, he wrote, “Because we all know they throw mucho breaking balls in the zone in AAA, and those are for sure the same type of breaking balls he’ll see in the big leagues.”
Because we all know they throw mucho breaking balls in the zone in AAA, and those are for sure the same type of breaking balls he’ll see in the big leagues https://t.co/ZN8Qxg8N5K
— Eric Hosmer (@TheRealHos305) May 29, 2025
Well, it was just Hosmer’s way to state facts with a pinch of sarcasm. Currently, Anthony does have a rough chase rate—17.6% and 52% ground ball rate. But then again, the Red Sox are at 27-31. So, the idea of being patient with Anthony doesn’t make sense anymore.
How long is Breslow going to hold off on Anthony? The Red Sox are currently set to go up against the Atlanta Braves on Friday.
However, soon enough the team will be facing their longtime high-powered rivals—the New York Yankees. It’s high time that Breslow acts fast for Anthony’s call-up. Then it again brings up the question—what will it take for the team to make room for him?
How are the Red Sox planning to make space for Anthony?
To be able to see Anthony patrolling the outfield at Fenway Park, there are some possible moves the Red Sox have to make! First things first, shifting Ceddanne Rafaela to the infield and moving Jarren Duran to center. Then, all they need to do is to hand left field to Anthony. This way, Rafaela is still in the mix, and moreover, it aligns with Anthony and his trajectory.
Sounds effortless? Maybe. But here’s another complicated solution on the table for the Red Sox—a trade! Cause, you see, Rafaela is undoubtedly elite with his glove. But he’s one of the weakest hitters in the league right now, although his metrics do suggest that he can improve. Currently, as a trade chip though, his return will look underwhelming.
Then we have Jarren Duran. As of now, his impact is high. Out of three outfielders, he has the highest ceiling. To add, he performed at an MVP level last year. With the team currently down in the dumps, he’s their hope for giving them a lead. But will he stay?
There’s Wilyer Abreu as well, who is young, cheap, and has many years of control remaining. He has proven enough that he has an effective big league bat and a great glove. However, he’s yet to prove his left-handed pitching. Except for that, he makes a tempting asset for the Red Sox. So, the teams are likely to have an eye on him.
Three outfielders and one open spot—what will be Breslow’s next move?
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