Should the Red Sox move Roman Anthony out of the leadoff spot?

Good morning, Boston Red Sox fans! Roman Anthony has been shining brightly since returning from rehab. Over his last five games, he has hit for a remarkable .455 average with a .500 OBP and a .909 slugging percentage, including two home runs, two doubles, and a triple. Despite these impressive numbers, Anthony is currently batting just fifth in the lineup for position players when it comes to WAR (Wins Above Replacement), and he ranks 16th in games played.

However, he is struggling in the leadoff role this week, hitting only two RBIs, both of which came from his two solo home runs.

Now, you might be wondering if the Sox should consider moving Anthony out of the leadoff position. On one hand, it’s crucial not to disrupt what has been working so far. After all, a player who gets on base frequently is exactly what you want at the top of the order. But it’s also worth pondering another fact: while production with the bases empty is still valuable, it doesn’t translate to the same level of impact as getting someone on base ahead of you.

In fact, the Boston Red Sox could potentially benefit from having Nick Sogard batting ahead of Anthony in the leadoff spot. Since returning to the big leagues in late July, Sogard has demonstrated an excellent on-base percentage of .368, along with 21 walks and 9 doubles in 34 games. Imagine the potential impact of Sogard already on second base before Anthony’s powerful hits come to life. The thought of this lineup combination is truly exciting.