The stars on the Japanese National Team in the World Baseball Classic could have Boston Red Sox fans dreaming.
The World Baseball Classic has only been underway for a few days and we have already been reminded how dominant the Japanese National Team is. It’s been a long six years since the last Classic, and Japan has picked up right where it left off in 2017.
Japan is already 2-0 and has outscored their opponents 21-5. While pitching has been average, their loaded lineup includes Shohei Ohtani (4-for-7 with 3 RBI), and Masataka Yoshida (3-fo-r6 with 5 RBI). These two star players have been hitting it off and have seemingly become best friends.
Are Masataka Yoshida and Shohei Ohtani becoming best friends? A lot of people are saying that. pic.twitter.com/Pt7G6OmYql
— Jared Carrabis (@Jared_Carrabis) March 10, 2023
With so much uncertainty surrounding Ohtani and his future with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Red Sox fans are probably having a field day watching these two, one being a new resident of Boston.
Red Sox: Fans can only dream of a Shohei Ohtani, Masataka Yoshida pairing
As the best player in baseball, the demand will be high for Ohtani this upcoming offseason as a free agent. As of right now, Boston could use a power bat in the lineup, especially after losing Xander Bogaerts. Imagine a lineup with Yoshida, Kiké Hernandez, Rafael Devers, and Ohtani.
Not to mention, they could also use a top-of-the-rotation guy and as we all know Ohtani fits the bill quite nicely. It would be a great addition to go alongside Chris Sale and Nick Pivetta.
While a lot needs to happen to make the Red Sox a serious contender in the Ohtani sweepstakes, it would help that he already has what looks like a great relationship with Yoshida. Seeing these two phenoms as a duo in Boston could only be a Red Sox dream. Is there a possibility Ohtani could consider playing alongside Yoshida in Boston next season?