Red Sox Should Move On From Masataka Yoshida This Offseason

Masataka Yoshida’s first three seasons with the Boston Red Sox have tested the patience of fans and front office folks alike. This post-breakdown looks at how Yoshida’s injuries, his contract, and his on-field value have sparked a tough roster debate. It also touches on other regional sports notes that colored the week.

Masataka Yoshida in Boston: injury history, value, and the trade dilemma

Yoshida’s main skill is contact hitting. But the rest of his game—power, baserunning, defense—hasn’t matched up to what people hoped for.

He’s dealt with shoulder surgery and a string of other injuries, which have limited both his playing time and production. That’s changed how the Red Sox see him under his five-year, $90 million deal.

An OPS+ of 109 over three seasons points to a hitter who helps but doesn’t really change the game, especially for that kind of money. With about $37.2 million owed over the next two years, his trade value is pretty limited.

Boston would probably have to throw in a prospect or eat a lot of salary just to move him. That’s not a great spot to be in.

The big question: should the Red Sox just treat the rest of Yoshida’s contract as a sunk cost and release him? That would clear a roster spot and let him sign somewhere else for less.

Some argue that opening up a slot could speed up a bigger roster overhaul. It could also give Yoshida a shot with a team that sees him as a possible upside play in a smaller role.

Why releasing Yoshida is being considered

Here’s why some people are talking about an outright release, beyond just the contract numbers:

Spring training positioning and role implications

In spring camp, Yoshida’s sitting behind Jarren Duran and Roman Anthony on the Red Sox’s designated hitter depth chart. That means he’s not likely to start unless something changes with injuries or performance.

This situation makes you wonder how Boston will actually use its DH spot and lineup as the season moves along. Can Yoshida find real at-bats in a crowded mix?

People around the team keep pointing out Yoshida’s professionalism and team-first approach. He’s known as a good teammate, which isn’t nothing.

If Boston does release him, he’d avoid being stuck on a crowded bench and might find a better fit somewhere else.

Broader regional sports notes and context

The column also brings up other regional topics shaping the current sports scene, from football to hockey. There’s even a literary recommendation or two from the crime fiction world.

Patriots, Will Campbell, and the 2026 schedule

The Patriots face a tougher 2026 schedule and still have roster needs that feel pretty familiar. The way young players like Will Campbell develop and fit in could really matter for their chances.

It’s always a balancing act—veteran experience versus youthful upside—as teams try to adjust for a new era of play.

Team USA hockey, Swayman, and international tournaments

Team USA hockey’s shown some grit in early Olympic play, though goalie Jeremy Swayman has taken heat for a few shaky outings. Still, fans seem excited for the big international hockey tournaments coming up, especially with winter sports in full swing.

Other sports tidbits and reader takeaways

Beyond field-level news, this piece dives into some bigger-picture themes. Adam Silver’s stance against tanking gets a mention, and there’s curiosity swirling around international tournaments.

There’s also plenty of chatter about fraud concerns in the Emmanuel Clase case. NFL owners are reacting to those player surveys, which—honestly—feels overdue.

Somewhere in there, a Don Winslow book pops up as a cultural aside. These little details show how sports ecosystems overlap, and how choices in one league can ripple into another.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Some Things I Think I Think: It’s time for Red Sox to move on from Masataka Yoshida