Red Sox Sign Japanese Star Masataka Yoshida For 5 Years $90 Million
The Red Sox had been relatively quiet all offseason until today. After signing Kensley Jansen earlier in the day, the Sox went out and got the big prize from Japan. Masataka Yoshida, who agreed to a 5 year deal with the Sox for $90 million.
Yoshida was officially posted by the Orix Buffaloes of Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball on Wednesday and didn’t take long to land a massive long-term commitment from Boston. The 29-year-old left-handed hitting outfielder, batted .326/.419/.538 with 135 home runs across 781 games over the last seven seasons in Japan. Masataka broke out last season with a .336/.449/.559/1.007 with 21 HRs in 121 games. He should be the perfect fit for the Red Sox leadoff spot with a great batting eye, and willingness to take walks to go along with his great hitting ability.
Yoshida led the Orix Buffaloes to their first Japan Series title in 26 years, with a walk-off home run
Red Sox have signed OF Masataka Yoshida, per @JeffPassan. The deal is worth 5-years for more than $85 MM.
He slashed .336/.449/.559/1.007 with 21 HR in 121 games this past season.
Has been comped to Luis Arraez. Perfect leadoff guy for this team.
— Tyler Milliken ⚾️ (@tylermilliken_) December 7, 2022
Masataka Yoshida, Red Sox reportedly agree to a deal, per @MLBNetwork Insider @jonmorosi. pic.twitter.com/huZd0tKfLq
— MLB (@MLB) December 7, 2022