Roman Anthony’s $3M Heartbreak
Boston Red Sox star Roman Anthony may not have had a realistic shot at winning the American League Rookie of the Year award, but a second-place finish was certainly within reach. On Monday, the honors went to Athletics slugger Nick Kurtz, who truly earned the distinction with a prodigious performance—36 home runs and an impressive 1.002 OPS over 114 games.
The Race for Second Place
While Kurtz stole the spotlight, the real battle unfolded between Anthony and his A’s teammate, Jacob Wilson. As the votes were tallied, Wilson emerged as the clear favorite for the second spot, capturing 23 of the 30 available second-place votes. His total of 107 voting points outpaced Anthony’s 72, solidifying his position and leaving Anthony in third.
In recent years, finishing in the top two of the Rookie of the Year voting has gained significance. Players achieving these ranks can secure full years of service time, impacting their careers. For Anthony, however, the implications of his third-place finish resonate more deeply due to his contract structure.
Financial Implications of the Finish
As noted by Boston Globe reporter Tim Healey, Anthony’s failure to clinch a top-two spot will cost him at least $3 million. His contract includes a unique provision: a $1 million increase in salary for each season from 2031 to 2033, contingent on finishing in the top two. Additionally, his 2034 club option would have received a $2 million bump if he had reached that milestone.
Currently, Anthony is slated to earn $23 million in 2031, $25 million in 2032, and $29 million in 2033, with his club option set at $30 million. He does have opportunities to recoup some of this lost potential; he can still earn between $500,000 and $2 million per year for any top-10 MVP finishes from 2026 to 2030, along with an additional $200,000 for each All-Star appearance.
Looking Ahead
Despite the heartache of missing out on second place, Anthony’s performance during the season showcased his potential. He boasted a robust .859 OPS and a 3.1 WAR over 71 games, numbers that suggest he could have outshined Wilson’s .800 OPS and 3.0 WAR in 125 games had he not suffered an oblique injury on September 2, which sidelined him for the crucial final month of the season.
Regardless of the financial implications, Anthony is positioned to play a crucial role in the Red Sox’s future. With his talent and the right support, he could be instrumental in driving the team forward as they aim to make their mark in the American League.
