In a strategic move to bolster their roster, the Boston Red Sox find themselves open to various possibilities this offseason, and one player at the center of trade interest is outfielder Masataka Yoshida. According to reports from The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal and Jen McCaffrey, several teams have inquired about Yoshida, prompting the Red Sox to consider options to enhance their lineup.
Yoshida’s inaugural season with Boston showcased his prowess, hitting an impressive .289 with a .783 OPS, 15 home runs, and 72 RBIs over 140 games. However, the second half of the season saw a dip in performance, with a .254 average and a .663 OPS in his final 62 games. Despite this, Yoshida’s overall contribution has drawn attention from teams eager to strengthen their outfield.
The 31-year-old Japanese talent, who signed a five-year, $90 million contract with the Red Sox last offseason, brings both experience and accolades from his time with Nippon Professional Baseball’s Orix Buffaloes. With four All-Star honors and a Japan Series championship in 2022, Yoshida’s arrival in Boston was met with high expectations.
The reported interest in trading Yoshida appears to be financially motivated, as the Red Sox aim to create flexibility in their payroll. The outfielder has four years and $72 million remaining on his current deal, presenting an opportunity for the Red Sox to clear $18.6 million in salary for the 2024 season.
As the Red Sox pursue free agent Teoscar Hernández, projected to receive a four-year, $80 million deal, the potential trade involving Yoshida aligns with their strategy to address multiple areas of their roster while managing payroll effectively. It remains to be seen how this offseason chess game unfolds, but one thing is clear – the Red Sox are poised for strategic moves to build a stronger, more competitive team in the upcoming season.