In a groundbreaking announcement, Boston Red Sox outfielder Roman Anthony has been named one of TIME magazine’s 100 Most Influential People of 2025 in the sports category, a prestigious honor that underscores his meteoric rise in Major League Baseball (MLB). At just 21 years old, Anthony’s inclusion on this iconic list places him among global titans, pioneers, and icons, cementing his reputation as not only a prodigious talent but also a transformative figure in the world of sports. This milestone, revealed in TIME’s April 2025 issue, has sparked widespread excitement and curiosity about the young star’s journey and the impact he’s poised to make both on and off the field.

Roman Anthony’s ascent to this elite recognition is a story of raw talent, relentless determination, and a knack for defying expectations. Drafted by the Boston Red Sox in the second round of the 2022 MLB June Amateur Draft from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, Anthony quickly emerged as a standout prospect. His professional debut in June 2025, at the age of 21, was nothing short of electrifying. In just 59 games, primarily splitting time between right and left field, Anthony posted a .292 batting average, eight home runs, and an .852 OPS, showcasing a blend of power, speed, and plate discipline that has drawn comparisons to some of baseball’s all-time greats. His 497-foot grand slam against the Rochester Red Wings in Triple-A, just days before his MLB call-up, became a viral moment, hinting at the superstar potential that has now earned him a spot on TIME’s coveted list.

What sets Anthony apart is not just his on-field performance but his ability to captivate fans and reshape perceptions of what a modern MLB star can be. In a sport often criticized for its slow pace and traditionalism, Anthony’s dynamic style—marked by towering home runs, acrobatic catches, and an infectious charisma—has injected new energy into baseball. His debut at Yankee Stadium, where he launched a two-run moon shot to the second deck, complete with a celebratory bat flip, became an instant classic, signaling the arrival of a new face in baseball’s most storied rivalry. As ESPN’s Jeff Passan noted, “Anthony has the potential to be the Red Sox’s next homegrown superstar, a cornerstone for a franchise hungry for its next chapter.” This sentiment resonates deeply, as Anthony’s blend of skill and swagger is redefining what it means to be a baseball icon in 2025.

The TIME 100 list, an annual compilation of the world’s most influential figures, is renowned for spotlighting individuals who are shaping their fields and inspiring change. This year’s sports honorees include luminaries like Serena Williams, Simone Biles, Jalen Hurts, Breanna Stewart, Napheesa Collier, and Léon Marchand, all of whom have left indelible marks on their respective sports. Anthony’s inclusion, however, is particularly noteworthy because he is the only active baseball player on the list, a testament to his outsized influence in a sport that often struggles to compete with the global reach of football, basketball, or soccer. TIME’s editors praised Anthony for his ability to “transcend the diamond, bringing a fresh, youthful energy to a sport in need of new heroes.” This recognition places him in rare company, as only one other baseball player, Shohei Ohtani, has made the TIME 100 list in recent years, back in 2021.

Anthony’s journey to this point has been marked by moments of resilience and reinvention. After signing an eight-year, $130 million contract extension with the Red Sox in August 2025—a deal that could escalate to $230 million with incentives—he faced immense pressure to live up to the hype. Yet, he thrived, posting a .405 on-base percentage as Boston’s leadoff hitter and earning praise for his advanced swing decisions and ability to hammer the ball with authority. Red Sox manager Alex Cora described Anthony’s impact succinctly: “Roman doesn’t just play the game; he commands it. His presence changes the energy in the clubhouse and on the field.” This ability to lead, even as a rookie, has made Anthony a beacon for a new generation of baseball fans.

Beyond his statistical achievements, Anthony’s influence extends to his role as a cultural figure. His nickname, “Roman Empire,” has become a rallying cry for Red Sox Nation, with fans flocking to social media to share highlights of his towering home runs and highlight-reel catches. Posts on X have captured the sentiment, with one user, @MattCouture5, declaring, “Roman Anthony is already a top 25 player in baseball,” while another, @josephweirdness, marveled, “Good god, he was fucking GREAT.” These reactions reflect the growing fervor around Anthony, whose charisma and accessibility have made him a fan favorite in an era where athletes are expected to be as engaging off the field as they are dominant on it.

The significance of Anthony’s TIME 100 recognition lies not only in his personal achievements but also in what he represents for baseball’s future. Unlike sports like basketball or football, which boast global superstars with massive social media followings, baseball has often struggled to produce crossover icons. Anthony, with his Instagram handle @romananthony and a growing presence on platforms like X, is changing that narrative. His ability to connect with fans, coupled with his jaw-dropping performances, has made him a marketable star in a league that desperately needs one. As TIME contributor and baseball Hall of Famer Derek Jeter wrote, “Roman Anthony is more than a player; he’s a movement. His energy, his talent, and his love for the game are inspiring a new wave of fans to fall in love with baseball.”

For the Red Sox, Anthony’s rise could not come at a better time. The franchise, which has not won a World Series since 2018, sees him as the cornerstone of its next championship era. His synergy with fellow prospects Marcelo Mayer and Kristian Campbell has sparked hope that Boston can reclaim its place atop the American League. The organization’s decision to lock him up with a long-term deal reflects their belief in his potential to become the face of the franchise, much like legends David Ortiz or Ted Williams before him. As Passan noted, “The Red Sox are betting on Anthony to be the long-term cornerstone that Rafael Devers never did, despite his own massive contract.”

The broader implications of Anthony’s TIME 100 nod are also worth considering. Baseball, often seen as America’s pastime, has faced challenges in maintaining its cultural relevance in a digital age dominated by instant gratification and viral moments. Anthony’s ability to deliver both—whether through a 497-foot grand slam or a perfectly timed bat flip—has made him a symbol of baseball’s evolution. His inclusion on the TIME 100 list, alongside global icons from politics, entertainment, and activism, underscores the idea that sports can still be a powerful force for inspiration and change. As TIME’s editors noted, “Anthony’s influence goes beyond stats; he’s redefining what it means to be a superstar in a sport that’s ready for its next big moment.”

For fans, the question isn’t whether Roman Anthony will continue to rise but how high he can climb. His journey from a high school standout to a TIME 100 honoree in just three years is a testament to his work ethic and vision. As he prepares for his first full MLB season in 2026, the baseball world is watching, eager to see how this young star will shape the sport’s future. With his infectious energy, prodigious talent, and a knack for delivering unforgettable moments, Roman Anthony is not just a player to watch—he’s a phenomenon to experience.