Masataka Yoshida arrives to Red Sox spring training camp early
Pitchers and catchers don’t report until next week, but that hasn’t stopped newly signed Masataka Yoshida from arriving to camp early.
Yoshida arrived to Red Sox camp this past Wednesday. He played catch and did some drills with strength and conditioning coach Kiyoshi Momose.
Boston signed Yoshida this offseason to a five-year, $90 million deal in December. Yoshida arrived to camp a little early because he will report to Team Japan for the World Baseball Classic in March.
The new Sox outfielder impressed while taking soft-toss batting practice on Thursday hammering baseballs over the fence. A Red Sox team staffer tossed Yoshida balls from a few feet in front of him and he took controlled swings and mashed during the drill.
Yoshida also sent the ball to the opposite field, as minor leaguers in left field chased the ball down against the chain-link fence.
The 5-foot-8, 176 pound Yoshida projects as the Red Sox leadoff hitter heading into the 2023 season.
ZiPS released their projections for all players and had some impressive numbers for Yoshida. They predict that he will hit .305 with 20 homers, 29 doubles, two triples, driving in 82 RBIs with a .372 OPS. ZiPS projects that Yoshida will walk 51 times while striking out 62 in 505 at-bats.
Yoshida’s superb batting eye, strong arm and presence in general will be something to watch in Spring Training and during the World Baseball Classic this spring.
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