Red Sox outfielder Masataka Yoshida expected to see most of his at-bats at DH
The Red Sox will have a new designated hitter for the 2024 season. Following the departure of Justin Turner in free agency, it appears Boston will pivot to Masataka Yoshida to fill the void at DH.
While speaking with reporters in Fort Myers, skipper Alex Cora confirmed that Yoshida will see the lion share of at-bats as a DH.
“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.
“I’m not really sure,” said Cora. “And I’m not saying he’s the DH. But out of the group, he’ll get the most at-bats.”
The club is expected to rotate Rafael Devers and Triston Casas at DH this season.
In his first season with the Red Sox, 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.
Newly acquired outfielder Tyler O’Neill is expected to see time in left field. He will provide a dramatic upgrade over Yoshida, O’Neill was a two-time Gold Glove award-winner when he was with the Cardinals. Jarren Duran and Rob Refsnyder will also see sometime in left field next season.
Cora told reporters that the Red Sox will be more athletic in the outfield this season. He 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.”
