After his staggering ascent through the Boston Red Sox's farm system in 2024, Kristian Campbell made the big league roster out of spring training.
At first, the Red Sox's impressions of the young slugger were unclear. He struggled at the plate with 18 strikeouts and a .167/.305/.271 slash line over 20 games. Earlier in the spring, scouts reported that his defense needed work (subscription required). Later in camp, he made a few smooth defensive plays that must've quelled any worries since the 23-year-old made the team.
Campbell's presence on the Opening Day roster sets off plenty of ripple effects fans and reporters have discussed all camp. Alex Bregman will play third base, and a formerly begrudged Rafael Devers will be the designated hitter. But another lineup question remains: What will the Red Sox do with Masataka Yoshida?
Boston has already announced that Yoshida will begin his season with Triple-A Worcester on a rehab assignment. He underwent shoulder surgery this offseason and his throwing recovery progress is behind schedule despite his ability to swing the bat as normal.
Red Sox need to find something to do with Masataka Yoshida after his minor league rehab assignment
The Red Sox plan to use Yoshida as an outfielder, despite Alex Cora's assertions that he didn't cut it out there in 2023. Boston has multiple better defensive options in Jarren Duran, Wilyer Abreu and Ceddanne Rafaela. Duran was the Sox's best player last season and is an excellent leadoff hitter — the team has no business not using him and he'll be an everyday player in 2025, barring any catastrophic changes in his work. Abreu won a Gold Glove for his defense in right field in 2024. Rafaela has posted an outstanding spring and his offensive changes may finally match up with his defensive prowess. He's slashing .316/.409/.526 with four strikeouts, six walks, two homers and 10 RBI in 16 games. The Red Sox will have to make a convincing case to swap him for Yoshida in the lineup upon his eventual return.
Got some clarification on the Masataka Yoshida situation:
— Ian Browne (@IanMBrowne) March 22, 2025
He can be placed on a 20-day rehab assignment once he is ready. Though he had major surgery on his arm, there is no exemption for position players to be extended on rehab assignments due to arm surgery. Also, he would have…
The Red Sox are also expecting top prospect Roman Anthony to debut this year. After he posted a solid spring in big league camp, his callup could be sooner rather than later. He batted .206/.391/.324 with 12 strikeouts and 10 walks over 17 games. His offensive production took a noticeable downturn after he missed multiple games due to a stomach bug, but a stint in Triple-A should help him get his strength back and return to big-league readiness.
The Red Sox are not going to hold back from promoting their top prospect when he's ready to break into the majors. The only logical spot for him would be Yoshida's place in the outfield lineup since Duran, Rafaela and Abreu may be untouchable on this roster. Yoshida could break out and have the season Sox fans have been waiting for at the plate, but if not, he seems to be the likely roster casualty to accommodate Anthony.
Boston sending Yoshida to the minor leagues on a rehab assignment is a temporary solution to a larger issue. Having too many good players to decide which ones to field is a great problem, don't get us wrong. But Yoshida's bat is valuable in this lineup and the Red Sox aren't using it so they can start a rookie in their most volatile infield position of the last seven years. It will be difficult to find a trade suitor for Yoshida — as Boston already knows very well — and he has to consent to being sent to the minor leagues, as per his contract. Hopefully, the Red Sox can find the best solution to their latest self-imposed lineup logjam.