Anthony Stays Put: Red Sox Keep Top Prospect in Worcester Despite Braves’ Call-Up Buzz — Fans React Loudly to the Surprise Move

The Boston Red Sox have sparked a storm of reactions from fans and analysts alike after making the unexpected decision to keep one of their top prospects, Roman Anthony, in Triple-A Worcester rather than promoting him to the major league roster. This move comes despite growing speculation that the Atlanta Braves had shown interest in calling up a comparable young outfielder, leading many to assume the Red Sox would follow suit with Anthony. Instead, Boston chose patience — and the fanbase isn’t exactly calm about it.

Roman Anthony, just 20 years old, has been one of the most talked-about young players in the Red Sox system this season. The outfielder, known for his powerful left-handed swing and excellent plate discipline, has been tearing up pitching in Worcester. In May alone, Anthony hit .326 with an on-base percentage of .421 and five home runs, leading off games with authority and setting the tone for the WooSox offense.

Given Boston’s inconsistent outfield production and a lineup that has struggled at times with consistency and energy, many believed that Anthony’s promotion was not only imminent but essential. His recent performance, paired with Boston’s middle-of-the-pack offensive output in the American League, seemed to make a compelling case.

The buzz intensified when the Braves recently called up one of their own young stars — a similarly aged and talented outfielder — to fill a void left by injury. That decision appeared to underscore a philosophical difference between the Braves and Red Sox: one team seemingly willing to embrace youth and risk in pursuit of energy and production, the other opting for measured growth and organizational control.

Many fans assumed that Boston would counter the Braves’ aggressive move by promoting Anthony. But when news broke that the Red Sox front office had decided to keep Anthony in Triple-A, despite his stellar numbers and the increased national spotlight, social media erupted.

Red Sox Twitter, forums, and fan communities lit up with frustration. Some fans expressed concern that the organization was overly conservative, failing to capitalize on momentum and possibly hurting the team’s playoff hopes. Others suspected the decision was financially motivated — with some accusing the team of manipulating service time to delay Anthony’s arbitration clock.

One fan tweeted, “How does Roman Anthony keep raking and STILL not get the call? What are we doing here?” Another wrote, “Braves call up a kid, get instant production. Meanwhile, the Sox just keep their guy in Worcester and watch the offense struggle.”

Analysts offered more measured takes. One MLB insider noted, “The Red Sox may believe Anthony needs a few more weeks of seasoning. Yes, the numbers are great, but there’s a big jump between Triple-A and the bigs. Bringing him up too early could backfire.”

Still, others saw the decision as emblematic of a front office too slow to respond to the dynamics of a long season. “At some point,” one beat writer observed, “you have to trust the talent. Anthony looks ready.”

Privately, team sources have emphasized that the organization is focused on the long-term development of its young stars. Roman Anthony is seen as a cornerstone piece of the franchise’s future, and the front office reportedly doesn’t want to rush him into the fire too soon. They argue that his continued development in Worcester — where he’s facing experienced arms and learning the nuances of professional hitting — is more beneficial than a premature leap to Fenway.

Manager Alex Cora, when asked about the situation, said, “Roman’s doing great things. He’s making progress every day. When the time is right, he’ll be here — and he’ll be ready.”

Still, Cora’s comments did little to quell the disappointment among fans eager for a jolt of energy during a competitive stretch of the season.

Roman Anthony continues to start at the top of the WooSox lineup, playing confidently and with purpose. Every plate appearance seems to carry the weight of a fanbase watching closely, hoping for any indication that the call-up might be near.

Meanwhile, Boston’s major league roster continues to tread water in a loaded AL East, where every win matters and every edge could be the difference between October baseball and falling short. If the team continues to struggle, pressure will undoubtedly mount for Anthony to get the promotion.