Red Sox land Japanese star Masataka Yoshida with record deal
The Red Sox continued a busy Wednesday as they landed a huge international free agent by inking Japanese superstar Masataka Yoshida to a record contract.
It’s been a hectic Wednesday for the Boston Red Sox, but for reasons that fans will surely appreciate. Earlier in the day, the club inked veteran closer Kenley Jansen to a two-year contract that will help an ailing bullpen. There was also reportedly progress in negotiations with Xander Bogaerts, a situation that appears to be trending positively. But they weren’t done there.
On Wednesday evening, less than 12 hours after being posted as an international free agent, the Red Sox signed Japanese superstar Masataka Yoshida to a contract, as first reported by ESPN’s Jeff Passan.
BREAKING: Outfielder Masataka Yoshida and the Boston Red Sox are in agreement on a contract, sources familiar with the deal tell ESPN.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 7, 2022
Formerly of the Orix Buffaloes in Nippon Professional Baseball (Japan’s highest league), Yoshida was drawing interest from around the league from teams that included the Yankees, Cardinals, Mariners and many more at times. But he lands in Boston and will immediately fill a big hole in left field.
Masataka Yoshida contract with Red Sox is a record-setting deal that could be worth it for Boston
Chaim Bloom was aggressive in getting Yoshida to the Red Sox as he’s signing the 29-year-old star to a five-year, $90 million deal. With the $15.4 million posting fee from the Buffaloes, that puts the price of the signing at $105.4 million.
Masataka Yoshida's deal with the Boston Red Sox is for $90 million. With a posting fee of $15.4 million, the total cost of the five-year deal will be $105.4 million.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 7, 2022
Yoshida’s contract breaks the record for the highest-paying international free agent signing in MLB history, breaking the mark set by the Cubs and Seiya Suzuki last offseason.
But he could well be worth it to the Red Sox.
Not only does Yoshida slot into left field as a great option, but he’s been electric in his Japanese career. Over seven NPB seasons, he slashed .327/.421/.539 while also being a four-time All-Star and two-time batting champ (2020 and 2021). Moreover, he has 213 walks compared to only 97 strikeouts and 56 homers over his past three seasons.
Many import prospects have struggled to translate immediately, particularly when it comes to power. However, Yoshida comes with a reputation as an on-base machine who also has pop. That’s a huge asset for the Red Sox lineup.
While Boston undoubtedly needs to re-sign Bogaerts still (and sign Rafael Devers to an extension while they’re at it), landing Yoshida is a monster move that will be critically important to the team’s success moving forward.
Next. AL East Power Rankings with Aaron Judge back in the picture. dark