Masataka Yoshida on getting at-bats as DH in 2024: ‘I’m here to contribute to the team’
When camp opened last week, Red Sox manager Alex Cora told reporters that Masataka Yoshida would see the majority of his at-bats from the DH spot.
“Masa,” Cora said when asked who will DH this season by reporters. “I’m not saying he’s the DH but he will get the most at bats at that position.”
Cora did not confirm how many games that Yoshida will be the team’s DH, but he expects the outfielder to see the majority of time in that spot.
Yoshida enters his second big league season better prepared to handle the grind of a major league schedule.
With the Japanese slugger transitioning to more of a DH-type while sprinkling in some appearances in left field, he’s just focusing on how he can help the Red Sox win.
“I’m trying to do the best I can in whatever role I get,” Yoshida said. “Obviously, I’m here to contribute to the team. Offensively and defensively, I want to stay ready at all times.”
Yoshida hit .309 with an .832 OPS in 85 games in left field last season. He had worse results as a DH, batting .255 with a .705 OPS on 49 games.
“I had experience doing DH in Japan,” Yoshida said. “I had sort of a routine.”
Overall in his first season with Boston, Yoshida slashed .289/.338/.445 with 15 homers and 72 RBI. He was below average at best in the field, registering a -4 grade in defensive runs saved.
Yoshida struggled during the second half of the season. He essentially looked like he ran out of gas. The major league schedule is not like the one he experienced while playing in Japan.
One of the main reasons that Yoshida is moving to DH is the club’s focus on having a more athletic outfield in 2024. Cora is hopeful that approach will translate to more wins.
“We’re going to be dynamic. We’re going to be more athletic in the outfield,” vowed Cora, “and hopefully that translates into wins.”
