"Masataka Yoshida is unquestionably a productive major league hitter, having posted a career OPS+ of 109. But with $36.5 million still owed to him over the next two years and no place on the Red Sox except as a low-power DH/pinch-hitter, he arguably hurts the roster more than he helps it. The Red Sox cannot option Yoshida to the minor leagues without his consent."
"As for a trade, we have recently seen reports that "there has been tangible trade interest in Yoshida throughout the winter, with teams recognizing his offensive upside," but the Red Sox obviously have not pulled the trigger. That potentially leaves designating him for assignment as the only option for getting him off the roster. But he is unlikely to be claimed on waivers given his contract, and such a move would potentially be disastrous for the team's future efforts to sign overseas stars."
Masataka Yoshida posts a career OPS+ of 109, indicating consistent offensive production. The Red Sox owe him $36.5 million over the next two years while having no regular defensive position for him beyond a low-power DH or pinch-hitter role. The team cannot option him to the minors without his consent. Reported trade interest has surfaced but no transaction has been completed. Designating him for assignment remains a possible route to remove him from the roster, but he is unlikely to be claimed on waivers and a waiver outcome could harm future overseas signing efforts.
Read at Over the Monster
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