The Boston Red Sox have an abundance of options in the outfield. Jarren Duran cemented himself with an incredible breakout season in 2024, Wilyer Abreu might be the hottest hitter on the planet right now, Ceddanne Rafaela recently received a big extension, and Roman Anthony, the No. 2 prospect in MLB, is knocking on the door of the majors. All of these guys have a legitimate case to be starters for the Red Sox.
And then there's Masataka Yoshida. The Red Sox signed him to a five year, $90 million contract before the 2023 season, hoping his success in Japan would translate to Boston. Yoshida's first two seasons weren't terrible, as he has a combined 111 OPS+, but he hasn't been quite the slugger that the Red Sox were hoping for, with just 25 homers in 1,001 plate appearances.
He was also primarily a designated hitter last year, as his defense in left field left much to be desired. The Red Sox were actively shopping Yoshida this offseason but were unable to unload his hefty contract.
Red Sox may have no choice but to DFA Masataka Yoshida due to outfield logjam
MASATAKA YOSHIDA TIES IT UP 🔥 pic.twitter.com/b41ikeT66W
— MLB (@MLB) July 6, 2024
MLB insider Ken Rosenthal, in discussing this situation on the "Fair Territory" podcast, said "I don't see how [Yoshida] fits, now that Devers is the DH." He pointed out that once Anthony is ready, he will likely become the every ay centerfielder for the Red Sox.
If he's right and the Red Sox don't do anything bizarre like try to play Anthony at first, then the outfield is set — Duran in left field, Anthony in center and Abreu in right. And, as Rosenthal points out, Devers being the DH means there's no room in the lineup for Yoshida, unless, of course, the Red Sox wanted to try him out at first base.
With the trade market for Yoshida unfortunately quiet, the Red Sox may have no choice but to designate him for assignment if they want any chance at getting rid of his contract. It's unfortunate that Yoshida's time in Boston will likely come to such an unceremonious end, especially with the success that other recently acquired Japanese players like Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Kodai Senga and Seiya Suzuki have had in MLB. DFAing Yoshida might hurt the Red Sox' chances at future NPB stars who make the move to MLB, but right now, it looks like the only way out of this mess.