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Yoshida's $37M Contract: Bench Bat or Trade Bait?
17 Mar
Summary
- Yoshida has two years left on his $37 million deal.
- Red Sox doubt his outfield defense, considering trade.
- Trade unlikely unless a good offer emerges, insider says.
Masataka Yoshida's future with the Boston Red Sox is a subject of ongoing speculation, with significant contract implications. Yoshida, who is currently in the third year of a five-year deal worth over $37 million, has demonstrated his ability as a major league hitter.
However, the Red Sox organization reportedly lacks confidence in his defensive abilities in the outfield. This has led to his name surfacing in trade discussions over the past year and a half. Despite this, the team has not yet moved him, and manager Alex Cora has indicated that all rostered players will receive playing time.
An insider suggests the Red Sox would trade Yoshida if they receive a reasonable offer, but otherwise, he could be a valuable fourth or fifth outfielder and bench bat. The league's apparent unwillingness to absorb a significant portion of his remaining contract continues to complicate any potential deal. Yoshida's performance at the start of the upcoming season may also influence the Red Sox's willingness to trade him.
