The Red Sox are not worried about Garrett Crochet despite a rough start, but Roman Anthony faces significant pressure to perform. Jarren Duran supports Anthony while the team struggles to win games.
Key points
Red Sox not worried about Garrett Crochet's performance
Roman Anthony faces pressure to succeed for the team
Jarren Duran supports Anthony amid media scrutiny
Franklin Arias is a rising prospect in the Red Sox system
Boston Red SoxMinnesota Twins
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - APRIL 14: Roman Anthony #19 of the Boston Red Sox looks on prior to the game between the Boston Red Sox and the Minnesota Twins at Target Field on Tuesday, April 14, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Michael Turner/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - APRIL 14: Roman Anthony #19 of the Boston Red Sox looks on prior to the game between the Boston Red Sox and the Minnesota Twins at Target Field on Tuesday, April 14, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Michael Turner/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
The Red Sox are officially “not worried” about Garrett Crochet after the worst start of his career earlier this week. “The greatest pitchers in baseball have tough days, and that’s OK,” said pitching coach Andrew Bailey. “I think we have to recognize, too, that these guys are human, and sometimes baseball is baseball. It’s a tough little go. So I’m not worried about it.” But if he’s going to get back on track, he needs to regain control of the strike zone, as he’s hit four batters so far this season. (Tim Healey, Boston Globe)
Unlike Crochet, Roman Anthony is not yet one of the greatest players in baseball. But the 2026 Red Sox roster was essentially constructed in a way that he has to become one soon if they’re going to win anything. In light of that, it’s reasonable to wonder whether the pressure is getting to him. “He’s got the weight of this organization — they’ve put the weight of the world on him,” said Jarren Duran. “I think he’s doing a great job managing it. … [And] it is one of those markets where media is a big presence. As a 21-year-old, that can be tough, but he handles it like he’s a 10-year vet.” (Alex Speier, Boston Globe)
And while Anthony is not yet an established big leaguer, there is already another prospect in the system who, like Anthony and Marcelo Mayer before him, is receiving every increasing amounts of hype. Twenty-year-old infielder Franklin Arias is off to a scorching start in AA Portland, where he is the youngest position player in the league. “He’s a stud, which we already knew,” said Red Sox director of hitting Jason Orchart. “He’s always had a high floor, and now his ceiling is starting to climb.” (Alex Speier, Boston Globe)
But the here and now is more important than Arias’s prospect development. And in the here and now, the Red Sox are struggling to win baseball games. But here are some numbers that indicate that better days may be ahead. (Travis Shawchik, MLB.com)
We’ll probably know we’re in those hypothetical better days when we’re not reading stories about Red Sox players flipping the bird to fans in the stands. But in light of the fact that Jarren Duran claims he made the gesture only after a Minnesota Twins fan told him to kill himself, the Red Sox are giving Duran his full support. (Meghan Ottolini, WEEI)
But there is something to keep an eye on regarding the latest Duran incident: while the Twins have started a full investigation into the incident, they have yet to corroborate Duran’s version of events. “One person with knowledge of the event said fans were bragging afterward that Duran had raised his middle finger at them after they had mocked his swing…. In spite of the subdued crowd noise, field and television microphones didn’t pick up fans yelling for Duran to harm himself or mocking his swing. Additional audio or video of the incident has yet to surface on social media or in the public sphere.” (Jen McCaffrey and Dan Hayes, The Athletic)
Q&A
What pressure is Roman Anthony facing with the Boston Red Sox?
Roman Anthony is under pressure to perform as the Red Sox roster relies heavily on his success for the team's chances of winning.
How is Garrett Crochet's performance affecting the Red Sox?
Garrett Crochet's recent poor performance has raised concerns, but the team remains supportive, emphasizing that even top pitchers have tough days.
What incident involved Jarren Duran and fans at a game?
Jarren Duran reportedly made a gesture towards fans after being verbally attacked, with the Twins investigating the incident.
Who is Franklin Arias and what is his status in the Red Sox system?
Franklin Arias is a promising 20-year-old infielder in AA Portland, gaining attention for his strong performance and potential.
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