When the Purple Sox signed Masataka Yoshida on December 15, 2022 it was to blended reactions. Xander Bogaerts had signed with the San Diego Padres a number of days earlier, misplaced to free company sorta-kinda due to the addition of Trevor Story. Kyle Schwarber the yr earlier than had been deemed “too costly” when he signed with the Dave Dombrowski’s Philadelphia Phillies. And but there have been the Purple Sox giving a five-year deal, $90 million contact to Yoshida, along with a posting payment. However there was additionally pleasure. Yoshida was coming to the Purple Sox from the Orix Buffaloes the place he excelled.
Within the 2022 season the outfielder hit .335/.447/.561 with 21 residence runs. He drew 80 walks towards simply 41 strikeouts. Clearly, nobody anticipated him to duplicate the road completely. Possibly not hit for as a lot energy. Possibly not fairly the identical strikeouts and walks – although his batting talent was important draw for Yoshida so presumably not as a lot change.
Because the calendar would have it, spring 2023 was each his first Spring Coaching within the US and a WBC yr. Virtually earlier than he’d joined the Sox, Yoshida was again taking part in with a Japanese staff. And for those who have been enthusiastic about his potential — as Chaim Bloom absolutely was — Yoshida would exceed all rational thought. Via the event he hit an insane .409/.531/.727 with two residence runs and a double. He walked 4 occasions towards a single strikeout. He received the MVP as Japan took the crown.
Over three years in Boston Yoshida has not been an MVP however he’s undoubtedly had his moments. In 2023, Yoshida performed in 140 video games and hit .289/.338/.445 with 15 residence runs and 81 strikeouts in comparison with simply 34 walks. That’s a strong yr to construct off.
He battled injuries in 2024 however regardless of taking part in in solely 108 video games he was nonetheless price 1.4 bWAR. Was he adjusting? Possibly. Slashing .280/.349/.415 with 10 residence runs and 52 strikeouts in comparison with 27 walks confirmed a few of that. Alex Cora saved him out of the outfield, proffering DH responsibility, but when he wasn’t wanted within the outfield why use a fielder you’re undecided is your only option?
“I don’t know why persons are so shocked that he’s hitting. When he was wholesome in ‘23 the primary half of the season, he was the most effective hitters within the huge leagues. He received banged up. We type of coated it for some time there, and he had injections [for his right shoulder]. – Alex Cora
In 2025, Yoshida would miss the primary half of the season recovering from shoulder surgical procedure. The hope being that with a patched up arm perhaps he’d be a greater outfield choice. Though it was by no means actually clear if that was the plan.
All stated and executed this was a disappointing season for Masataka Yoshida at first look. Slashing simply .266/.307/.388. Although he did hit 4 residence runs, steal 3 bases, and put up a 24: 10 Okay:BB. Whereas it’s a small pattern, his September, as the remainder of the ream struggled to hit, was maybe an indication that after damage and an extended layoff, he was feeling higher. Yoshida would hit .333/.351/.486 with 2 of his 4 homers. His Okay:BB was 5:3. That’s solely 18 video games however probably his first really wholesome play since someday in 2024. He’d roll straight into the Yankees collection hitting .571/.571/.571. Fours hits in 7 plate appearances. He even drove in 2 vital runs. He struck out simply as soon as.
And he rolled into the World Baseball Traditional in Spring 2026, wholesome.
Via 4 video games – all of which Japan received – Masa is 6 for 12 with two residence runs. He’s taking part in with enjoyable. He’s taking part in with type.
That’s a bat drop worthy of Roman Anthony.
What’s the longer term for Yoshida when he returns to Boston? He’s received the within observe because the DH. In contrast to Triston Casas, he can’t simply be despatched to the minors. He’s hitting for energy once more, which, sure, regulate this for competitors, however he wanted to indicate he’d discovered his energy swing once more. Did Craig Breslow and Alex Cora already know this? I don’t know, most likely? They’ve tremendously extra data than we do. However We’re all seeing it now.
This appears like 2023 Yoshida shining on the worldwide stage, able to take that have again to Boston. Solely this time he isn’t an American rookie – he’s a veteran. He’s the Macho Man. He’s Masa.
