Japanese superstar outfielder Masataka Yoshida has long been one of the best players in the Nippon Professional Baseball League, but he will now try his hand at an MLB career after a shocking signing on Wednesday.
According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, Yoshida has agreed to terms on a contract with the Boston Red Sox in a historic signing for Boston.
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
Yoshida commanded the largest amount for any Japanese position player, with the international sensation receiving $90 million over five-years, along with a $15.4 million posting fee going to his Japanese team, the Orix Buffaloes.
Breaking: Yoshida to Red Sox. Record Japanese position player $ above Suzuki.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 7, 2022
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 most desirable skill for the Red Sox is likely his elite ability to get on base. In seven seasons with the Orix Buffaloes, he carried a .327/.421/.539 slash line.
His ability to put balls in play was unbelievable last season for the Buffaloes, striking out only 42 times in 417 at bats while hitting 21 home runs on the year.
He hit 21 HR and struck out 42 times in 417 ABs last season in Japan lol https://t.co/cjzUzo5800
— Brandon Wile (@Brandon_N_Wile) December 7, 2022
Many around the MLB world appear to be very excited about this signing, as well as Yoshida’s prospects at the MLB level in the future.
Will probably hit a go-ahead home run in the top of the 10th at Yankee Stadium in August https://t.co/5zfmTzIfHV
— Jon Alba (@JonAlba) December 7, 2022
There is another potential OF target off the board. #Mariners https://t.co/5kAm6srXVL
— Bob Stelton (@BobStelton) December 7, 2022
Yoshida is coming off a year in Japan where he hit .336/.449/.559 with 21 home runs and 82 walks to just 42 strikeouts. He should slot into near everyday playing time with the team. https://t.co/f0xzFJMpi1
— Frank Stampfl (@Roto_Frank) December 7, 2022
Yoshida will be the second Japanese-born position player to play for the Red Sox. The other is current Dodgers manager Dave Roberts.
Yoshida's $90 million deal is the 2nd-largest free agent contract for a player signing out of Japan (Masahiro Tanaka, 7 years/$155M). https://t.co/81HFNI0sy2
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) December 7, 2022
Over the past 3 seasons in Japan, Masataka Yoshida has struck out 97 times in 1467 PAs (6.6%).
No, that's not a typo. https://t.co/J2YDpOtCMw
— Chris Mason (@ByChrisMason) December 8, 2022
Don't be fooled by the frame, newest Red Sox outfielder Masataka Yoshida has some thump and a good feel to hit.
There's always a risk in bringing players over from other professional leagues, but I think Yoshida has a great chance to outperform his 5-year, $90M deal in Boston. pic.twitter.com/5rXf5uRCan
— Aram Leighton (@AramLeighton8) December 7, 2022
This is certainly a much needed signing for the Red Sox as they attempt to recover from an extremely disappointing 2022 season.
After making the playoff in 2021, they finished last in the AL East with an underwhelming 78-84 record last year.
There’s always risk with bringing over an international player; there’s no telling how their game will translate at the MLB level. That being said, Yoshida undoubtedly profiles as one of the best Japanese signings in recent memory for the Red Sox.
