The Boston Red Sox are reeling from the loss of Roman Anthony, their electrifying rookie outfielder, who suffered a strained oblique that could sideline him for four to six weeks. With the regular season winding down on September 28, 2025, MassLive.com’s Chris Cotillo called it a “miracle” if Anthony returns before the postseason begins. The absence of a hitter boasting a near-.300 average and a .396 on-base percentage has left a void at the top of Boston’s lineup, and the team’s offense has struggled to find its rhythm since his injury. Social media is abuzz with pessimism, with some fans already writing off the Red Sox’s World Series hopes. But ESPN’s David Schoenfield is pushing back hard against the naysayers, delivering an optimistic take that’s turning heads.
In a bold declaration, Schoenfield tackled the question head-on: “Real or not: Without Roman Anthony, you can kiss a World Series title goodbye.” His verdict? Not real. While acknowledging the massive blow of losing Anthony, who was hitting .317/.400/.561 with six home runs in August, Schoenfield argues that Boston’s postseason dreams are far from dead. He points to the team’s 40-26 record with Anthony in the lineup, a mark that reflects not just the rookie’s spark but also a broader surge in performance across the roster since July. The Red Sox, he contends, have the depth and firepower to weather this storm, drawing a striking parallel to the 2021 Atlanta Braves, who lost superstar Ronald Acuña Jr. yet still hoisted the World Series trophy.
What fuels Schoenfield’s confidence? It starts with Boston’s pitching, which has been a cornerstone of their success. Ace Garrett Crochet continues to dominate, backed by strong performances from Lucas Giolito and Brayan Bello in the rotation. The bullpen is equally formidable, led by Aroldis Chapman, the game’s premier closer in 2025, with an eye-popping .346 OPS allowed and a 0.98 ERA. Add in setup man Garrett Whitlock, who hasn’t surrendered a home run since mid-May and boasts a 1.47 ERA, and the Red Sox have a late-game formula that can shut down any opponent.
On the offensive side, Boston isn’t without options. While Anthony’s absence stings, the potential return of outfielder Wilyer Abreu before the regular season ends could provide a much-needed boost. The team’s depth, combined with their ability to grind through adversity, gives Schoenfield reason to believe they can not only secure a playoff spot but also make a deep postseason run.
The gloom on social media may paint a grim picture, but Schoenfield’s perspective is a reminder that this Red Sox team is built for resilience. Anthony’s injury is a setback, no doubt, but Boston’s blend of veteran grit, young talent, and pitching prowess keeps them firmly in the championship conversation. As the postseason looms, the Red Sox are proving that their story is far from over—and they might just have a few more twists to write.