Masataka Yoshida is one of the biggest due hitters on the Boston Red Sox roster to begin September. He was struggling when he returned from shoulder surgery, but his performance has improved in recent weeks. Yoshida is now showing what he was back in 2023 (and even 2024, for that matter), leaving Red Sox fans feeling optimistic that he'll maintain this success throughout the final regular-season month.
Still, Yoshida's tough start was rough to watch, and some fans still have their doubts. Since his return on July 9, he's been batting .242 with 13 RBIs, eight doubles, two home runs, and 29 hits in 106 at-bats. He's also had 19 strikeouts in those 36 games, which has him sitting with a 15.2% strikeout rate.
Needless to say, Yoshida's overall performance might not be enough to win Red Sox fans over in the long run, making a strong September performance that much more crucial.
September is Masataka Yoshida's Final Chance to Get Back in Red Sox Fans' Good Graces
Yoshida has played well since the end of August. He's slashing .292/.370/.375 with just three strikeouts and has recorded seven hits and two doubles in 24 at-bats. He even impressively went 3-of-4 in the batter's box against the Cleveland Guardians on Tuesday. The Red Sox will need more of the same to make some noise in the postseason.
In a way, Yoshida could be slowly getting consistency, and that's what he's lacked this season. While the Red Sox themselves have many players in that logjam of their outfield, Yoshida needs to earn a spot, or he could be on the chopping block as well this offseason. He's currently signed through 2027 with an average annual value of $18.6 million.
Yoshida could be gone if he doesn't have a strong September. He has already been injury-prone over the past couple of seasons, and the Red Sox are looking for any reason to part ways with some of their outfielders this winter. This is especially true now that third baseman Alex Bregman needs an extension if he is going to opt out of his contract for more money, which he will most likely do. With that in mind, Yoshida needs to play as if his career depends on it. When he has nothing to lose and enough time to prove himself, he can be a very special player.
He's living up to that expectation so far in September, leaving time to tell if he can hold on long enough to secure his long-term future in Boston.