Starting pitcher Carlos Rodon Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports

Scott Boras finished Carlos Rodon's Yankees deal while munching on snacks provided by Red Sox

The Boston Red Sox introduction of Japanese outfielder Masataka Yoshida was literally just an appetizer for baseball super-agent Scott Boras on Thursday.

It was reported last week that the Red Sox had agreed to a five-year deal with Yoshida. To make room for the 29-year-old, Boston designated former top prospect Jeter Downs for assignment.

While the addition of Yoshida could bring some firepower to manager Alex Cora's lineup, it's still been a mostly rough offseason for Red Sox Nation. They've supposedly been "in" on multiple big-time free agents in recent weeks but have instead seen many of the star prizes go elsewhere.

Last week's departure of star shortstop Xander Bogaerts has been the most bitter pill to swallow, though the Carlos Rodon news is another punch to the gut. It gives Boston's biggest rival -- the New York Yankees -- arguably the best starting rotation in baseball.

The Red Sox starting group, meanwhile, is filled with question marks. While there's still plenty of offseason left, the team's projected unit -- according to ESPN's Buster Olney -- consists of the injury-prone Chris Sale, the inconsistent Nick Pivetta and a trio of relatively unproven youngsters in Brayan Bello, Tanner Houck and Garrett Whitlock.

With most of the shiniest toys already off the shelves, Red Sox Chief Baseball Officer Chaim Bloom has some catching up to do on his holiday shopping.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Timberwolves chew up Nuggets to force Game 7
Rangers secure spot in conference finals after stunning third-period comeback over Hurricanes
Xander Schauffele makes history in first round of PGA Championship
Yankees' Hal Steinbrenner shares massive Juan Soto contract update
Steelers' Cameron Heyward addresses contract holdout
Knicks star ruled out for potential closeout game
Dodgers starter undergoes season-ending UCL surgery
Clemson’s Dabo Swinney gives smug response about not using transfer portal
Caitlin Clark's debut was most-watched WNBA game in more than 20 years
Watch: Chris Kreider's natural third-period hat trick shatters Hurricanes' comeback hopes
Veteran NFL safety will either play for this team or retire in 2024
Former Red Wings head coach linked to open NHL job
How Patriots' Drake Maye has already impressed Jacoby Brissett
LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Stephen Curry among Forbes' highest-paid athletes for 2024
Steve Cohen addresses if Mets could again be trade-deadline sellers
Tiger Woods ruins strong first round with sloppy finish at PGA Championship
NFL responds to speculation about Chiefs schedule and Taylor Swift
Despite hopes for change, NASCAR championship weekend will return to Phoenix in 2025
Chiefs will achieve something not done since 1927 with 2024 schedule
Yankees' Aaron Judge comments on resurgence after bad slump