Masataka Yoshida’s raw power has been on display at Red Sox camp
Chaim Bloom made a splash during the Winter Meetings by adding star Japanese outfielder Masataka Yoshida. Since coming to Red Sox spring training, the 29-year-old has been impressive. The club has raved about his bat-to-ball skills, he’s keen eye at the plate and now his raw power.
Red Sox hitting coach Pete Fatse is impressed with his new outfielder’s power potential.
Spring Training 2023: Masataka Yoshida arrives to Red Sox spring training camp early
“He’s got a lot more juice than I thought,” hitting coach Pete Fatse said to Julian McWilliams of The Boston Globe. “Just doing a lot of the work on video, some of the reports came back seeing upwards of 70 raw power in batting practice. He’s got a lot of juice.”
The 5-foot-8, 175 pound Yoshida is described as being efficient at the plate. He has an excellent sense of the strike zone, which could make him a prime candidate to hit from the leadoff spot.
“There’s not a whole lot of wasted movement,” Fatse said. “I guess the best way of putting it is that he holds tension really well in his swing.”
Yoshida hit 21 homers in Japan last season, the Red Sox are hoping that power translates to the majors.
On Friday, Yoshida will bat fourth for the Red Sox when they play Northeastern in their annual spring match-up.
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