When the Boston Red Sox locked up outfielder Roman Anthony to a massive contract extension this week, it sent a ripple across front offices and clubhouses around the league. But in Cincinnati, the message might hit even closer to home, particularly for Reds second baseman Matt McLain.
Anthony’s eight-year, $130 million deal with a club option that could extend it through 2034, and escalators pushing the value as high as $230 million, is just the latest in a growing list of young stars opting for financial security early. It’s also a reminder of what’s at stake when a player turns down a long-term offer in hopes of a bigger payday down the road.