Perhaps We Moved Too Quickly’ — Alex Cora’s Honest Take on Roman Anthony’s Tough Transition Has Red Sox Fans Questioning the Team’s Strategy

Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora sparked a wave of conversation this week with a moment of refreshing honesty. Speaking about highly touted prospect Roman Anthony’s struggles in Triple-A, Cora admitted the organization may have jumped the gun on promoting him.

Maybe we moved a little fast with him,” Cora said, referencing Anthony’s less-than-ideal start in Worcester. “In hindsight, maybe another stint in Double-A would’ve been better. But we trust his ability and his future.”

The admission hit home for many fans already concerned about Anthony’s performance. Once seen as a rising star, the 20-year-old has found the jump to Triple-A to be a steep climb. Despite impressive physical tools and strong showings in the lower levels, Anthony has hit just .198 with 55 strikeouts and a modest .272 OBP across 40 games.

Originally viewed as a possible September addition to the big-league roster, Anthony’s tough transition has instead highlighted a bigger question: Are the Red Sox hurrying their top prospects through the system too quickly?

Cora’s comments ignited fierce debate online and on talk shows. Critics argue that the organization is overly focused on fast-tracking its top names, risking burnout or stunted growth. Supporters, however, believe early struggles are natural and part of maturing in the pros.

This moment of introspection comes amid growing organizational pressure. With Boston striving to return to postseason relevance, the club’s developmental decisions are under intense scrutiny. Cora acknowledged this dynamic, saying, “We wanted to challenge him. Sometimes those challenges come with setbacks. But he’s learning, and that’s still valuable.”

This situation draws comparisons to past Red Sox prospects. Xander Bogaerts was promoted quickly and thrived. Michael Chavis, on the other hand, was elevated before he was fully ready and never found consistency. Where Anthony will fall on that spectrum remains to be seen.

Some within the club are reportedly considering a demotion back to Double-A Portland to help Anthony regain his rhythm. Others argue he needs to battle through the adversity in Worcester, pointing to stars like Mookie Betts and Rafael Devers, who grew from early struggles.

Cora’s candidness has won praise from some quarters, with fans appreciating the accountability. But others worry the Red Sox are making the same mistakes—shuffling young players without a clear, cohesive roadmap for their development.

Regardless of which camp you fall into, one thing is certain: Roman Anthony’s development has become a litmus test for the Red Sox’s rebuilding efforts—and a spotlight case for the dangers of speeding up the clock on potential stars.