Boston Red Sox star Roman Anthony has received a ton of praise so far in his short career, but Garrett Whitlock’s recent remarks on Anthony stood out for their emphasis on more than just on-field production.

Whitlock said of the 21-year-old: “Even though it’s not a veteran presence, he can still take command of the clubhouse … There’s a respect to his name … I just think that he’s going to be his own type of leader. It’s good to see him starting to accept that and take that role.”

Garrett Whitlock with another comment that shows how different Roman Anthony is:

“Even though it’s not a veteran presence, he can still take command of the clubhouse… There’s a respect to his name… I just think that he’s going to be his own type of leader. It’s good to see him… pic.twitter.com/5Od0CaAc9b

— Tyler Milliken (@tylermilliken_) March 27, 2026

In Boston’s Opening Day game, Anthony went 3-for-4, building on the momentum from his 2025 debut and his recent string of stellar at-bats in the World Baseball Classic for Team USA.

Teammates and coaches alike have taken notice of how Anthony carries himself, blending natural talent with an intangible presence that commands attention without demanding it. Anthony’s presence could help bridge Boston’s gap between veterans and rising stars.

Anthony’s ability to earn respect so quickly speaks volumes about his maturity. At just 21, he has stepped into high-leverage situations and responded with poise, whether patrolling the outfield or contributing with his bat.

Whitlock’s endorsement suggests the organization views Roman as more than a talented bat, but also as a leader who sets the tone daily.

It’ll be fascinating to see how Anthony’s sophomore MLB season transpires after such a glorious — though shortened — rookie campaign. Across 257 at-bats in 2025, he posted a .292 batting average, eight home runs, 32 RBIs and a robust .859 OPS. His .396 on-base percentage reflected strong plate discipline, while his .463 slugging showed gap power and extra-base ability.

His 140 wRC+ ranked well above league average, and he added four stolen bases. The left-handed hitter’s combination of contact skills, patience and defensive versatility made him an immediate impact player for the Red Sox, setting the stage for an even bigger role in 2026.

More MLB: Meet the New Red Sox: What’s Changed — and Why It Matters in 2026