Earlier than becoming a member of the Pink Sox forward of the 2023 season, Masataka Yoshida had established himself as among the finest gamers in Japan. However since signing his five-year, $90 million deal Yoshida hasn’t lived as much as expectations, and currently he’s discovered himself the topic of frequent commerce rumors.
Chatting with reporters in Fort Myers on Saturday, Yoshida acknowledged that his time in Boston hasn’t gone in line with plan thus far.
“Now I’ve three years beneath my belt, to be sincere with you guys these three years weren’t what I anticipated,” Yoshida mentioned through interpreter Yutaro Yamaguchi. “So I’ll go away it at that.”
Initially seen as a possible affect bat who possessed a novel mixture of energy and plate self-discipline, Yoshida has as a substitute confirmed a reliable contact hitter who has struggled to affect the sport in different areas. Over his first three seasons in Boston he has batted .282 with a .762 OPS, however the previous two years he’s been restricted by a shoulder damage that necessitated offseason surgical procedure following the 2024 season.
Final yr Yoshida appeared in simply 55 video games and hit solely 4 dwelling runs, although he got here on sturdy down the stretch, batting .383 with a .967 OPS in his final 12 video games earlier than going 4 for 7 (.571) within the playoffs.
Nonetheless, Yoshida has grow to be a clumsy roster match. The Pink Sox have 5 starting-caliber outfielders and solely 4 spots to accommodate them, and with Roman Anthony, Ceddanne Rafaela, Wilyer Abreu and Jarren Duran all superior defensive choices, Yoshida will probably be restricted to part-time DH responsibility.
Yoshida mentioned he’s heard the commerce hypothesis, however declined to say if he’d welcome a change of surroundings.
“That’s not what I’m pondering proper now,” Yoshida mentioned. “All I’m serious about is correct now’s performing, taking part in nicely and taking part in laborious.”
He did admit the commerce speak has been a brand new expertise for him.
“That’s one thing that I didn’t actually expertise again in Japan, trades don’t occur as usually as right here,” Yoshida mentioned. “However to commerce any person, each (golf equipment) need to agree, proper? So it’s going to be robust and it’s a part of the enterprise, however it’s new to me.”
Yoshida mentioned the largest factor for him proper now’s getting his shoulder again to 100% and eventually getting a full wholesome offseason. He’s additionally wanting ahead to serving to Staff Japan defend its World Baseball Basic title, and he expects to affix his fellow countrymen “fairly quickly.”
“It’s particular, proper?” Yoshida mentioned of taking part in for his nation. “I simply need to ship, carry out an excellent efficiency and please the Japanese followers.”
As for his future in Boston, Yoshida mentioned he hasn’t mentioned his function with supervisor Alex Cora but, however will likely be prepared for regardless of the group wants.
“It sort of is dependent upon what the scenario is however I’m open to something,” Yoshida mentioned.
