Trade rumors around Boston Red Sox designated hitter Masataka Yoshida have begun early, just as they did soon after last season.
The 31-year-old posted his second decent campaign with the Red Sox in 2024. A thumb injury kept him sidelined and slow-played through much of May and June, but Yoshida was one of the most important players in the batting order when he was on.
The DH finished the season slashing .280/.349/.415 with 21 doubles, 10 homers, 56 RBI and two stolen bases. Seven of his 10 homers came during an electric stretch from July and August. Yoshida batted .333/.411/.487 with three bombs in July when the Sox were on their pre-All-Star hot streak. Unlike most of his squad, Yoshdia's success continued into August, when he slashed .326/.381/.516 with four home runs to keep the Sox's Wild Card dreams alive when the offense diminished.
But Yoshida's role on the Red Sox's roster left those in charge without much room to make changes. He spent seven seasons in Nippon Professional Baseball as an outfielder, but he's not a defensive savant. Yoshida is "disappointed" he wasn't used in the outfield besides one emergency inning in April.
Another middling season may force the Red Sox to explore trade options for Masataka Yoshida again
Masataka Yoshida looks back at his first two years in the majors as a disappointment.
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) October 3, 2024
If he turns the corner, it may be in a different uniform.
On Yoshida's career, so far, and a future that may include a trade soon:https://t.co/vXHmImAbdF
Ceddanne Rafaela, Jarren Duran and Wilyer Abreu all clocked standout defense in the outfield this year, and Yoshida's lower-quartile speed and significantly lesser arm strength don't match up. During his cold stretch, his everyday spot at DH made it difficult to cycle slugger Tyler O'Neill and injured Rafael Devers in the lineup more regularly.
The outfield is sure to be even more congested in 2025. Top prospect Roman Anthony is expected to debut next season, and with Rob Refsnyder also in the mix for outfield spots, keeping Yoshida makes even less sense.
Chief baseball officer Craig Breslow said early in Boston's offseason that there are no players off the table when it comes to trades. Yoshida could be difficult to move with the $54 million-plus left on his contract, and the Red Sox may have to eat a lot of that money to dish him anywhere. But it would provide the team with much more flexibility in the outfield and at the plate.
Manager Alex Cora described Yoshida's season as "solid," but he doesn't feel the same. Chris Cotillo of MassLive reported that Yoshida hasn't officially requested a trade, but there seems to be an even greater possibility for a move this year than last offseason.