After an eye-opening 2023 rookie season with the Boston Red Sox, the last two years have been frustrating for Masataka Yoshida. Injuries have played a big role in his struggles and absence from the lineup for manager Alex Cora.
Following the 2024 season, he had surgery for labral repair following the season, which kept him out until early July in 2025. As the season went along, you could still tell he wasn’t 100%. The last couple of weeks, Yoshida played for Japan in the World Baseball Classic.
After having a breakout WBC and fully healthy and ready to go in 2026, Yoshida was back in Red Sox camp and is ready for whatever role Cora has in store for him.
Masataka Yoshida Is Healthy to Begin 2026 for the Boston Red Sox
It is safe to say the Yoshida and the Red Sox were excited about his play in the WBC the last couple of weeks. He went 6-for-16 with six runs driven in. Half of his hits were for extra bases, and he drew two walks.
“For me, I wanted to bring out my peak performance during the WBC. And I think just comes down to kind of maintain that going into the season,” said Yoshida. “I think everything’s going as planned. I’m healthy, so I think I’m ready to show what I can do.”
Expecting Yoshida to return to his 2023 form is a steep ask. After signing a five-year, $90 million contract, he slashed .289/.338/.445 with 15 home runs and 72 RBIs. He had 36 extra-base hits and played in 140 games. Then injuries struck.
The last two seasons, he has been limited to 163 total games with 14 home runs and 82 RBIs. He was playing through his injury in 2024, which hampered his numbers. Last season, it was all about getting his timing back and proving he’s healthy. He proved at the WBC that he is healthy to begin the season.
“I wanted to bring out my peak performance during the WBC,” said Yoshida. “And I think it just comes down to kind of maintaining that performance going into the season. The most important thing is that I’m healthy right now.”
What Is Masataka Yoshida’s Role In 2026 With the Boston Red Sox?
That’s the biggest question. In the outfield, there is a logjam in the outfield for Cora with the regular season around the corner. Roman Anthony, Jarren Duran, Wilyer Abreu, and Ceddanne Rafaela are all in the mix with Yoshida. Abreu has won two straight Gold Gloves, and Rafaela also won one last season.
“The good thing about this is that we’re getting the ‘23 version of the first half when he was healthy,” said Cora. “He’s hitting the ball hard. He was hitting lefties and righties. So I do believe we’re getting that version.”
Yoshida might need that version if he’s going to play this season. Anthony and Rafaela feel like the future in Boston. Duran or Abreu could be moved at some point by Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow. There was no shortage of rumors during the offseason. Yoshida is a prime DH candidate, and that is where he might see his name on the lineup card on most nights.
“I’ve been able to do things without any restrictions,” Yoshida said. “So in that sense, I’m feeling pretty ready, but it’s different, right? This year, it’s a different roster, different players, and everything. So I got to see how I fit on the roster.”
Boston needs a healthy Yoshida this season, and if he can produce offensively in whatever role he’s given, then Cora and the Red Sox could benefit greatly in a loaded American League East.
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