Anthony didn't try to max earnings in Red Sox deal: $130M 'is plenty'
Roman Anthony wasn't worried about the maximum amount of money he could have potentially earned if he waited until free agency instead of inking an eight-year, $130-million deal with the Boston Red Sox on Wednesday.
"This is a number I'm completely satisfied with, along with my family and agency," the 21-year-old outfielder said, according to the Boston Globe's Alex Speier.
"Why wouldn't I want to do this? I'm not worried about what I could earn or potential earnings down the road if I keep doing what I'm doing. That's not the way I look at it. I don't live life like that. I live life knowing that this is plenty and this is where I want to be. It's as simple as that."
Anthony has gotten off to a terrific start to his big-league career, posting an .809 OPS with 18 extra-base hits and 19 RBIs in his first 47 games.
His decision to sign what could turn out to be a team-friendly contract if he continues on the same trajectory drew some criticism.
"I don't understand how you can sit there and watch Ronald Acuña Jr. and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and not see the difference."@JimBowdenGM says he's in a state of shock about the amount of money Roman Anthony left on the table. pic.twitter.com/HqkCtPyD2B
— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) August 6, 2025
Anthony admitted being comfortable and playing for the Red Sox long term were more important to him than making the most money possible.
"I've never gone out thinking 'Hey, I'm playing for a contract. I'm playing for money.' I don't play this game for money," he said.
"I play this game because I love it, and I want to win, and I want to win in Boston."