Red Sox consider trade options for outfielder Masataka Yoshida as he recovers from shoulder surgery
The Boston Red Sox are considering trading outfielder Masataka Yoshida for the second consecutive winter. Yoshida, who had surgery on his shoulder in October, acknowledges the trade rumors but says they are beyond his control. If Yoshida remains with the team, the Red Sox plan to utilize him in the outfield, where he played 84 games in 2023. Manager Alex Cora noted that Yoshida's shoulder injury limited his playing time in 2024, affecting the team's roster flexibility. Yoshida has been rehabbing in Boston and is expected to start a throwing program in March. He aims for a stronger performance in 2025 after two seasons with a .280 batting average and 25 home runs.