Red Sox not expected to make major Masataka Yoshida decision in MLB offseason

Jon Conahan

Red Sox not expected to make major Masataka Yoshida decision in MLB offseason image

Despite ongoing questions about roster fit with the Boston Red Sox and Masataka Yoshida, it doesn’t sound like the Red Sox are ready to make a major move with him, unless it involves him being traded. 

Sean McAdam of MassLive had the latest on the situation, reporting that an outright release of Yoshida is viewed as a “longshot.”

“But if that’s going to be the case — and remember, two of the four outfielders were Gold Glove winners last fall — then where does that leave Yoshida? For now, it would seem he’d be limited to the occasional DH start and some pinch-hitting opportunities.

“An outright release would seem to be a longshot. Yes, the Red Sox have eaten more money on some past deals. Notably, they walked away from third baseman Pablo Sandoval, who was owed $48 million when the Red Sox granted him his outright release in July of 2017. But the Red Sox were far less cost-conscious at the time, and it’s hard to imagine them executing a similar move with Yoshida,” he wrote.

Yoshida’s contract isn’t viewed as ideal, but he’s also had some moments in his career where he doesn’t look to be a bad player. 

Plus, after missing out on Alex Bregman, it isn’t like the Red Sox don’t have some money. I get that they’re completely different players, but the money aspect is what I’m looking at there.

Honestly, if Yoshida stays healthy, don’t be surprised if a lot of Red Sox fans like him. He can swing it.

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