Anthony now has his eight-year, $130 million extension, and he's taken things to a new level since Cora started leading him off against right-handed pitchers. It was a bold decision, given Jarren Duran's previous success in the leadoff spot, but it has seemed to galvanize the team in all the right ways.

Rookie Roman Anthony, who has homered in back-to-back games, became the first Red Sox hitter with four or more walks in a game since Kyle Schwarber did it Aug. 26, 2021, vs. Minnesota.

Almost two months after trading the face of their franchise, Boston signed MLB’s No. 1 prospect, Roman Anthony, to an eight-year, $130 million extension. Between trading Rafael Devers and locking Anthony up through 2034, the Red Sox have been the boldest MLB team this season by far. But will this move pay off?