It might be time for the Boston Red Sox to make a tough decision on Masataka Yoshida, who is tied to a five-year, $90 million contract. The main issue for Masataka Yoshida is there isn’t much room for him in the current Red Sox lineup.
This begs the question of what the Red Sox might do with their 32-year-old outfielder from Fukui, Japan.
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MLB Insider Suggests Red Sox Should Cut Ties with Masataka Yoshida
GettyBoston Red Sox outfielder Masataka Yoshida
Masataka has been a controversial player for the Red Sox for the few years he’s been with the club.
According to Ken Rosenthal, in an appearance on FoulTerritory, the MLB insider believes the Yoshida and Red Sox situation is “a DFA waiting to happen”.
The reason Rosenthal cites the Red Sox might have to make this tough decision is because of the crowded outfield. Jarren Duran and Wilyer Abreu have locked in spots at either the DH position or one of the corner outfield spots. Ceddanne Rafaela and Roman Anthony also have a spot in the Red Sox lineup.
There’s also speculation that the Red Sox could explore a trade involving Masataka Yoshida, but they would need to find a trade partner willing to take on the remaining parts of the contract.
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Yoshida’s Time with the Red Sox
Masataka Yoshida signed his contract before playing in MLB, coming over from Japan as a highly-touted talent.
In 2023, Yoshida hit 15 home runs in 140 games with a .289 average and 72 RBI. At that moment, he looked like a future piece for Boston.
He followed that strong rookie campaign up with a strong-ish 2024, but he was limited to just 108 games. Last season with the Red Sox, Yoshida hit .266 with four home runs in 55 games played. His bWAR has decreased in each season he’s played, and like Rosenthal mentioned, there just isn’t room for him in Boston’s outfield or lineup.
What should the Red Sox do with Masataka Yoshida?
GettyBoston Red Sox outfielder Masataka Yoshida
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Boston Red Sox Opening Day
It’s Opening Day! In Major League Baseball. The Boston Red Sox take on the Cincinnati Reds for the first series of the year.
First pitch is 4:10 p.m. EST on Thursday, and Garrett Crochet will get the Opening Day nod.
After Garrett Crochet, Sonny Gray will make his Red Sox debut in game two of the series, and Ranger Suarez will do the same in game three.
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Red Sox Predicted to Cut Ties with $90 Million Outfielder by MLB Insider