Height
5'8"
Weight
192 lbs
Age
32
College
N/A
Experience
3 yrs
Bats/Throws
L/R
Fan Verdict
Grade this player:
Career StatsD+
| Year | Team | GP | AVG | HR | RBI | OPS | SB | H |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career |  | 310 | 0.281362 | 29 | 157 | 0.7635067 | 14 | 314 |
Current Contract
Length
5 years
Total Value
$90.0M
Guaranteed
$54.0M
AAV
$18.0M/yr
Contract Value Index (CVI)
The Red Sox's five-year, $90 million commitment to Masataka Yoshida represents a significant miscalculation that earns a D+ CVI, reflecting poor value alignment between cost and projected output. At $18M annually, Boston is paying Yoshida like a franchise-caliber outfielder when his performance profile suggests he's closer to a rotational player who struggles defensively in left field and lacks the power upside typically expected from corner outfielders in today's MLB. While Yoshida brings solid plate discipline and contact skills from his NPB success, his defensive limitations and modest power output make this contract particularly problematic for a Red Sox team trying to balance competitive aspirations with payroll flexibility. The deal becomes even more questionable when considering Boston's organizational depth and the opportunity cost of blocking $18M annually that could have been allocated toward pitching upgrades or retaining homegrown talent. This contract structure suggests the Red Sox overvalued the translation of NPB success to MLB production, creating a financial commitment that will likely handcuff their roster construction through 2028 while delivering below-average value relative to the investment.
Performance Analysis
Masataka Yoshida grades as an All-Star caliber performer among MLB left fielders, earning a B+ Performance grade. He is hitting with a 0.282 batting average and a 0.761 OPS (near the league average of .720) this season. With 29 home runs and 154 RBI through 303 games (a 16-HR, 82-RBI pace over a full season), he brings moderate power to the lineup. Masataka also contributes 13 stolen bases, adding a baserunning element to his profile. As a prime-age veteran at 32, Masataka is a key contributor for the Red Sox. A 303-game sample provides high confidence in this grade.
Recent Games
| Date | OPP | Result | AB | H | R | HR | RBI | BB | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sat, 4/11 | @ STL | L 2-3 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Mon, 4/6 | vs MIL | L 6-8 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
News & Buzz
Live Discussion
Auto-moderated fan forum with 5-minute speaker turns
Discussion
Loading discussion...