How the Second Red Sox Season Could See Masataka Yoshida Make An Incredible Advance

Masataka Yoshida, who signed a five-year, $90 million contract with the Boston Red Sox last summer, made the transition from the NPB to MLB and settled comfortably.

Yoshida, 30, can now focus on improving on his 2023 experience now that he has completed his debut campaign. After scouting the Japanese standout, Yoshida turned out to be precisely what the Red Sox had imagined: a disciplined hitter who can work at-bats and play a corner outfield position. Throughout his rookie season, Yoshida, a left-handed hitter, appeared to be unaffected by the process of adjusting to Major League Baseball at times.

Yoshida hit.289/.338/.445 at the end of 2023, finishing with 15 home runs, 33 doubles, and 72 RBIs. It wasn’t enough to win the American League Rookie of the Year title ahead of Baltimore Orioles infielder Gunnar Henderson, who received 30 first-place votes, and Red Sox teammate Triston Casas, who came in third.

Still, Yoshida isn’t looking back, much like the Red Sox, and has plenty of room to develop into a dependable everyday starter going forward. There are multiple ways to contribute, regardless of whether Yoshida—who is anticipated to take on a hybrid-like role—will do so as an outfielder or designated hitter.

Above all, Yoshida can utilize 2024 as a 162-game window to concentrate mostly on hitting. With Justin Turner out of the order, Boston will need a dependable designated hitting bat in the lineup, so that will be his best asset going into the season. Yoshida, who drew 34 walks in total last season, is already capable of gradually working at-bats and tiring out pitchers. When batting, he can also hit for average.But with 306 games played at Fenway Park in 67 games, the power department can be increased, particularly to Boston’s advantage.

According to team-provided footage, Yoshida told reporters at JetBlue Park during spring training, “The main thing I kind of focus on is trying to hit hard.” “I have control over the process; I can’t really control the outcome.” I want to concentrate on it this year in an offensive manner.

With 182 home runs, the Red Sox were ranked 18th in MLB. Rafael Devers, the third baseman, was the only player from Boston to get 100 RBIs, and Adam Duvall was the only outfielder to smash more than 20 home runs. It’s obvious that Yoshida, in his capacity as a designated hitter, needs to increase his power and overall offensive productivity.

Boston made the decision to carry over the majority of its 2023 roster into 2024. Not much changed from the offseason, although the front office brought in Tyler O’Neil and Vaughn Grissom, who should take over in their respective outfield and infield roles.