Apr 29, 2021; Arlington, Texas, USA; A view of the Boston Red Sox logo and a field bag during batting practice before the game between the Texas Rangers and the Boston Red Sox at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Red Sox’s $90 Million Outfield Question Isn’t Going Away

Originally posted on Boston Red Sox on SI
By Patrick McAvoy | Last updated Nov 20, 2025 2:00 PM ET

Will Masataka Yoshida still be a member of the Boston Red Sox when the 2026 season rolls around?

This was a big conversation last year before it was announced that Yoshida would be undergoing offseason shoulder surgery. That took the air out of the sails on a potential deal. Yoshida spent a few months recovering and eventually was able to make his season debut this past July.

If you like our content, choose Sports Illustrated as a preferred source on Google.

Yoshida got most of his playing time as designated hitter, but spent some time in the outfield down the stretch. He always was one of Boston's hottest bats heading into the playoffs. When he's at his best, he's an above-average hitter. That's why Boston gave him a five-year, $90 million deal.

Will Masataka Yoshida be back in 2026?

With Yoshida now healthy and a surplus of outfield talent in the organization, naturally, that has brought up the idea of a trade again. But, MLB.com's Mark Feinsand called the "Buzz Factor" low right now.

"DH: Masataka Yoshida, Red Sox," Feinsand wrote. "Yoshida didn’t make his 2025 debut until July 9, and while he struggled through July and August, the 32-year-old hit well down the stretch, posting an .837 OPS in 20 September games. Yoshida has played 93 games in left field during his three-year tenure with the Red Sox, though 84 of those came in his 2023 rookie season.

"Buzz factor: Low. Yoshida is set to earn $18.6 million in each of the next two seasons, so the Red Sox would likely have to be willing to pay down part of that salary – a possibility given Boston’s overcrowded outfield situation – to make a trade a reality."

Yoshida is an intriguing candidate to watch. Again, when he's healthy and at his best, he can really help this team offensively. But, how does he fit into the organization? There are four outfielders for three spots -- not even including Yoshida -- in Jarren Duran, Wilyer Abreu, Ceddanne Rafaela, and Roman Anthony.

Yoshida has gotten most of his playing time over the last two seasons at DH. But, with the Red Sox needing more power, could that be a position to upgrade, with Kyle Schwarber, for example? It's a tricky situation.

This article first appeared on Boston Red Sox on SI and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: