Red Sox Rollercoaster: Masataka Yoshida's Return Could Reshape Boston's Outfield and Wake Up the Offense
Let’s be honest—watching the 2025 Boston Red Sox has felt a bit like riding a rollercoaster with no seatbelt. One moment, they're smashing double-digit runs and looking like World Series contenders. The next, they're limping through games where the bats go ice cold. Consistency? Not exactly a word you’d use to describe this squad so far.
On paper, the Sox are putting up a decent 4.92 runs per game, which places them sixth overall in Major League Baseball. That sounds elite, right? But when you zoom in a bit closer, the picture gets much murkier.
Here’s the stat that tells the real story: In just 14 of their 91 games, Boston has lit up scoreboards with double-digit runs—racking up a wild 164 runs in those contests alone. But in the remaining 77 games? They’ve averaged just 3.69 runs per game. Ouch.
That means in 85% of their games, the Red Sox look like they’re barely hanging on, ranked 25th in offense. But in the remaining 15%? They're the best in baseball. It’s the definition of all-or-nothing offense, and it’s driving fans and analysts equally nuts.
But now, help is on the way—or at least, that’s what manager Alex Cora is banking on.
🧨 A New Spark Plug?
On Monday, Cora dropped a bit of a bombshell that might finally help balance out the Red Sox’s offensive split personality. After months of waiting, Masataka Yoshida is expected to be activated this week, possibly as soon as Wednesday.
"He’ll be activated this week," Cora confirmed, per MassLive. "Another day of working out. Probably another one (Tuesday) and most likely Wednesday."
For a team that has struck out more than almost anyone else—an average of 9.2 strikeouts per game, trailing only the Dodgers (9.8) and Rockies (9.7)—adding Yoshida could be exactly what the doctor ordered. Last season, the 31-year-old had one of the lowest strikeout rates in baseball, just 12.4% among players with 400+ plate appearances.
⚾ Who Is Masataka Yoshida Again?
If you forgot about Yoshida, we don’t blame you. The Japanese outfielder signed a five-year, $90 million contract in late 2022 after tearing it up in Japan’s Pacific League for the Orix Buffaloes. But this season? Not a single game played so far.
He underwent offseason surgery to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder, and it’s been a slow road back. Though he did flash some signs of life in spring training—hitting 10-for-35 in 11 games—he’s been M.I.A. since.
That’s about to change.
And while his .775 OPS and 25 homers over two seasons don’t exactly scream “MVP,” Yoshida’s plate discipline and ability to make contact could offer the kind of steady presence this volatile lineup sorely lacks.
🔥 But Who Sits? The Outfield Logjam Is Real
Of course, the return of Yoshida isn’t all sunshine and sunflower seeds. Someone’s gotta sit. And with six legitimate outfielders on the roster, things are about to get messy.
Right now, Boston’s outfield corps includes:
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Jarren Duran – last year’s All-Star Game MVP, but slumping with a .728 OPS
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Wilyer Abreu – 2024 Gold Glove winner and a right-field wall
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Ceddanne Rafaela – tied for MLB lead in outfield defensive runs saved (13)
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Roman Anthony – rookie sensation, rated the No. 1 prospect in baseball
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Rob Refsnyder – 34-year-old veteran with a jaw-dropping .948 OPS vs. lefties
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And now, Masataka Yoshida
With only three outfield spots and one DH slot available, it’s clear—somebody’s going to get squeezed out. And right now, all signs point to fan-favorite Jarren Duran being the odd man out.
🧊 Duran’s Future in Limbo
Let’s talk Duran. Once seen as a budding franchise cornerstone, the 28-year-old has hit a rough patch this season. His OPS has dipped to .728, a noticeable slide from his .834 in 2023 and .828 the year before.
He’s also older than every other Red Sox outfielder not named Refsnyder—and he’s on a one-year, $3.75 million deal. Boston does hold an $8 million option for next year, but whether they pick that up is a whole different story.
Insiders are already speculating. One American League executive told The Athletic that Duran is "the most likely" outfielder to be dealt in the coming weeks. That’s not nothing.
He was even benched for Monday’s game against the Rockies—Refsnyder started in left instead.
No final decision has been announced about Duran's status, but the writing feels dangerously close to being on the Green Monster wall.
📊 Let’s Not Forget the Bench Weapon
Oh, and here’s the kicker: Rob Refsnyder, the guy who’s quietly been crushing lefties, ranks ahead of Shohei Ohtani, Vlad Guerrero Jr., and Bobby Witt Jr. in OPS vs. left-handed pitchers. That’s elite company.
Refsnyder might not be flashy, but his value in specific matchups makes him more than just a benchwarmer. He's become a legit platoon weapon.
🚨 Bigger Moves Coming?
All of this drama comes at a time when trade deadline buzz is heating up. The Yoshida return may just be the first domino in a larger Red Sox roster shakeup. Could we see Duran moved for bullpen help or starting pitching depth?
And what about Roman Anthony? The kid’s oozing potential, and Boston might want to make room for him to get everyday reps. Something’s gotta give.
⚠️ So... What Now?
The Red Sox are hovering near playoff contention but still can’t seem to find their offensive groove for more than a series at a time. Bringing back Yoshida could add a much-needed layer of reliability to a batting order that too often goes boom or bust.
But it also forces some tough choices.
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Does Boston roll with youth and upside?
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Or keep the vets and play it safe?
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Is Duran’s All-Star shine already fading?
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And can Yoshida pick up where he left off—or better yet, exceed it?
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