The Blue Jays should ask about this productive rival DH

Boasting a 55-41, first-place record, the Toronto Blue Jays have surprisingly established themselves as one of the dominant forces in the American League. Still, when it comes to sizing up the other postseason teams, it seems the Jays might be slightly outmatched. However, upgrading one of their main offensive deficiencies could be the key to closing the gap.

Among the most glaring holes in Toronto's offense is the DH spot. Blue Jays’ designated hitter Anthony Santander hasn’t quite lived up to last year’s success. On the season, Santander has put up a .179/.273/.304 slash line with six home runs. Given his immense struggles, Jays’ skipper John Schneider has limited him to just 50 games so far. George Springer has spent the most time at DH in his place. 

If the Blue Jays could add another DH and push Springer back into the outfield, which has been a source of middling production, this would do much to shore up their batting order; and the division-rival Boston Red Sox might have the perfect solution.

Fresh off the IL, Masataka Yoshida is 4-for-14 on the season. Since coming to America from Japan in 2023, Yoshida has posted a respectable slash line of .285/.343/.433 with 35 home runs. His power isn’t all that impressive, but he has been proactive in making contact at high rates and limiting strikeouts. And despite his shortage of walks, his on-base numbers have been exceptional. For the Blue Jays, Yoshida’s bat could offer a whole new layer of depth to their lineup.

The Red Sox might consider parting with him given their outfield is overflowing with options (Roman Anthony, Wilyer Abreu, Ceddanne Rafaela, Jarren Duran) and Yoshida, who became a primary DH last year, has been disappointing on the outfield grass. This would also allow them to free up the remaining cash from his five-year, $90M deal. With this in mind, it probably wouldn't be too shocking to see Yoshida leave the Red Sox by the deadline.