Red Sox President Wants Long-Term Contracts for Players 'Who Value Playing in Boston'

The Boston Red Sox committed to one of their young stars on Wednesday, giving Roman Anthony an eight-year extension worth $130 million.

After signing Anthony to the extension, Red Sox president Sam Kennedy said it's been a "goal" to secure players like Anthony "who value playing in Boston."

"It’s OK to fall in love with our stars...It’s been an affirmative goal to lock up the key members of the organization, especially those who value playing in Boston, in front of the best, most passionate fan base in all of Boston," Kennedy said, per the Boston Globe's Tim Healey.

It's worth noting that Kennedy's words about committing to those who care about the organization come after the team traded another key member of the Red Sox, Rafael Devers, to the San Francisco Giants. It's unclear whether Kennedy was calling out Devers, but it certainly seems applicable to the situation.

Regardless, it's clear Anthony wants to be in Boston for the long term.

"I wanted to be in Boston. Winning in Boston is different," Anthony told reporters on Wednesday. "I haven’t won anything yet, but for me, over these last two months, the baseball we're paying, the fans, the way they show up every night, it’s amazing."

Anthony, who made his MLB debut on June 9, has appeared in 46 games so far, slashing .283/.400/.428 with two home runs, 19 RBI and two stolen bases.