Masataka Yoshida in the mix to play the outfield in 2025

Image courtesy of the Boston Globe

After serving as the Red Sox designated hitter in 2024, Masataka Yoshida is in the mix to play the outfield in 2025.

The Japanese superstar is coming off offseason surgery to repair a torn labrum in his throwing shoulder and was the Red Sox' primary designated hitter last season due to his injury.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora denied last season that Yoshida was the DH due to injury but admitted at Fenway Fest on Saturday that actually was the case.

“Yeah, our outfield defense was great last year, but in a perfect world, if he was healthy, he was going to play the outfield,” Cora said. “The throwing part of it wasn’t there, so that’s the reason he actually didn’t play. Hopefully, we can get him there, and we can use him in the outfield, too.”

Yoshida spent most of his offseason in Boston working with team trainers. He told reporters on Saturday he plans to take dry swings in two weeks and start his throwing program in March. If all goes well, the left-handed hitter should be ready for Opening Day. There’s a possibility he begins the year penciled into the DH spot as he continues to get his arm ramped up for the regular season.Yoshida is entering his third season in the big leagues and has been underwhelming to say the least. He has hit .280 with 25 homers and a .775 OPS in 248 games while also dealing with injuries and getting acclimated to playing a full calendar of baseball in the United States.

“I obviously haven’t played up to fans’ expectations yet,” Yoshida said. “All of the stats and results I had in Japan are not as reflected as I’d hoped. Obviously, I want to play up to their expectations and keep improving.”

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