Despite recent trade rumors, it seems likely that Boston Red Sox’s Japanese hitter Masataka Yoshida will stay with the team for at least another year following shoulder surgery.
The Red Sox have a unique lineup, with a heavy emphasis on left-handed hitters. This trend is set to continue as more left-handed talent emerges from their farm system, making the team vulnerable to left-handed pitchers. To address this imbalance, chief baseball officer Craig Breslow is aiming to create more balance in the roster during the offseason.
During an appearance on The Greg Hill Show, Breslow highlighted Boston’s need for a more balanced lineup. His comments hinted at the possibility of trading some left-handed hitters, including outfielder/designated hitter Masataka Yoshida, to address their weaknesses. However, Yoshida’s recent injury might complicate those plans.
According to Mac Cerullo of the Boston Herald, Yoshida successfully underwent a right shoulder labral procedure on October 3rd, 2024.
The possibility of Yoshida requiring surgery was discussed prior to the procedure, so this development wasn’t entirely unexpected. Nevertheless, it might force the Red Sox to keep Yoshida on the roster for another season.
For more updates, you can listen to MLB Insider Robert Murray on The Baseball Insiders podcast, subscribe to The Moonshot for weekly MLB news, and join the Discord community for the latest insights as the MLB offseason approaches.
Yoshida’s injury issues might lead to the Red Sox holding onto him for another season. He has been managing shoulder problems since the spring, as well as a left thumb strain that sidelined him for 37 games. Despite these setbacks, when he’s fit, Yoshida has shown he can be a real threat at the plate.
After a promising rookie season, expectations were high for Yoshida in 2024. However, his performance didn’t fully meet those expectations, largely due to his injuries and limited playing time. The 31-year-old ended the season with 10 home runs, 56 RBIs, and a respectable .280/.349/.415 slash line over 378 at-bats, along with two stolen bases.
Due to the surplus of left-handed hitters, manager Alex Cora often benched Yoshida against left-handed pitchers and primarily used him as a designated hitter, with just one appearance in the outfield. Despite the surgery, Yoshida is expected to return to the lineup in 2025.
With three years and $54 million left on his contract, the Red Sox aren’t in a hurry to move Yoshida. Trading him now would likely yield limited returns given his current situation.
