The Boston Red Sox face a significant challenge regarding their surplus of left-handed hitters, which they need to address before the next season. Many of their lefty hitters, including Masataka Yoshida, have been the subject of trade speculation as the offseason approaches. Despite his popularity in rumors, Yoshida’s underwhelming performance over the past two seasons and his limited versatility complicate his role on the team. Additionally, he recently underwent shoulder surgery on October 3, expected to require the entire offseason for recovery, potentially lowering his already diminished trade value.
Former Red Sox player and radio host Lou Merloni has urged fans to consider the team’s options. The Red Sox still have several lefty hitters available for trade, and there are various roles for Yoshida within the team.
Another major priority for the Red Sox is acquiring an elite starting pitcher and right-handed power hitters, and trading some of their lefty bats could facilitate those deals. Triston Casas, Wilyer Abreu, and Jarren Duran have all been mentioned as potential trade candidates for acquiring high-caliber talent. If any of them are traded this winter, Yoshida’s consistent left-handed hitting could become essential for the team’s offensive performance.
Merloni highlighted potential uses for Yoshida if he remains on the team, referencing a Ken Rosenthal article from The Athletic that suggested trading Casas and shifting Rafael Devers to first base to acquire a right-handed infielder like Alex Bregman or Willy Adames. If that happens, Yoshida would be the only lefty in the lineup known for his sharp batting eye and low strikeout rate, which could be beneficial for a team that struck out 1,570 times in the 2024 season—ranking third in MLB.
The Red Sox might also consider trading multiple left-handed hitters this offseason, as they have more southpaw talent in their farm system. If they decide to trade several lefty hitters, Yoshida could become crucial for maintaining balance in the batting lineup.
Despite Yoshida’s reduced trade value, this isn’t necessarily a setback for the Red Sox’s offseason strategy. They have several other lefty hitters to trade and one of the wealthiest owners in MLB, who can make significant roster changes without relying solely on trades. Boston could also choose to absorb some of Yoshida’s contract to enhance flexibility, though this seems unlikely at the moment. Even if Yoshida stays with the team for the 2025 season, his skills can still contribute positively, as Merloni noted.
