Who knew that teams could suddenly envy Boston’s ”problem”? Well, that’s the reality now. The Boston Red Sox have a glamorous problem that most teams would simply love to have. They boast a farm system full of talent, creating a roster logjam that’s simply outstanding. But that silver lining, also looms heavy. At least like a cloud over Masataka Yoshida’s head.

Yoshida was brought in as a middle of the lineup bat after he dominated in Japan. But the gas on his performance ran out pretty quickly. Right after his rookie season, in fact. And now, he is sidelined due to a left thumb injury. And with where the team is at, Yoshida’s deal of five years, $90 million, suddenly doesn’t seem like a team-friendly one. Plus, with Rafael Devers back in the DH role and Alex Bregman as third baseman, there’s an elephant in the room. Where does Yoshida really fit?

Well, the answer is definitely hard to find. It’s almost looking like a dead end now. And even Ken Rosenthal pointed it out on Fair Territory. And it’s not good.

According to Rosenthal, the team could be forced to make a decision. “You left Yoshida out of the equation. I don’t see how he fits now that Devers is the DH. Now, once Anthony is ready, it really becomes an interesting question… But the real issue to me is going to be Yoshida, and will he ultimately be a guy that they might have to DFA?” said Rosenthal clearly in Fair Territory.  And it’s understandable why he would come to such a conclusion.

The talent squeeze at the Red Sox is real right now. And the team is leaning towards younger and more versatile options. Kristian Campbell is seeing his time in center field, and David Hamilton has his role with a left-handed bat at second. Plus, there’s also top prospect Roman Anthony, and the outfield also has Jarren Duran and Wilyer Abreu.

So right now Yoshida’s bat might be lost in the team. Most likely, Boston will look forward to trading him. But even if they can’t find a trade partner, even for a lesser return, they might be forced to go with it. But in the MLB verse, they say things happen for a reason. So don’t be surprised if the team ends up keeping him, too. One never knows who gets injured. Look at the Yankees roster—the perfect example.

Red Sox’s manager gives update on Masataka Yoshida 

Right now, even discussing where Yoshida’s future lies seems too quick. Because the outfielder is still out of action. Not due to his performance, but because of his recovery from right labrum surgery last fall. Just ahead of Friday’s home opener game against the St. Louis Cardinals, Red Sox manager Alex Cora was asked about Yoshida’s health status. And he did give a cautionary update.

“It’s not just standing there; you have to make throws,” Cora said. While Yoshida is now throwing from 110 feet, he still hasn’t been cleared for a rehab assignment. The next step, of course, will involve stricter defensive drills. For a player who doesn’t bring much defensive power, this is very much essential. But that being said, Yoshida has shown flashes during the spring training sessions.

Yoshida hit .286, but then, as if luck wouldn’t side with him, he faced another setback. So, his recovery timeline has now been pushed a little more. The team has been very conservative and clearly shows that they don’t want him rushed back. They don’t want to risk him and the contract getting into jeopardy. For now, the Red Sox have finally clawed their way back into form. Devers finally seems to be adjusting well, and the recent gameplay by him and Bregman was outstanding.

This, of course, makes things difficult for Yoshida’s return. However, his resume is surely a great one, a two-time Pacific League batting champ in Japan. Yoshida hit 15 homers and 72 RBIs during his rookie year in 2023. He has a strong pedigree, but sadly the Red Sox strategy and lineup have shifted.

For now, though, both Yoshida and the Red Sox seem to be in a limbo. Do you think they will trade him? Let us know.