The Boston Red Sox have had a very eventful offseason this winter. They’ve added pitchers Garrett Crochet and Walker Buehler to help stabilize the starting rotation, and they just signed superstar third baseman Alex Bregman. They could yet aim to make more moves, possibly involving designated hitter Masataka Yoshida, in an attempt to reduce their payroll.
FanSided’s Jacob Mountz recently projected that the Red Sox will send Yoshida to the Cleveland Guardians in a one-for-one trade for a young Guardians pitcher. Here’s Mountz’s whole proposal to send Yoshida to Cleveland:
Boston Red Sox receives: RHP Luis Ortiz Cleveland Guardians get DH Masataka Yoshida. “On the Guardians’ side, Cleveland has plenty of starters with Tanner Bibee, Ben Lively, Gavin Williams, Triston Mckenzie, Logan Allen, and Shane Bieber making his return in addition to Ortiz,” said Mountz. “Bringing in a quality batter would complete a strong lineup.
“It’s vital to remember that there isn’t much demand for a player who can’t play a position or hit for power. Especially given Boston’s dilemma with Yoshida’s contract and the lack of a spot for him in the lineup, Ortiz may be a terrific return. But it wouldn’t be remarkable if the Red Sox also walked away with a prospect. Ortiz would be a significant return for Yoshida. The righty is only 26 years old, really good, and has an affordable deal. Yoshida is a strong hitter, but he would be traded as a salary dump by the Red Sox.
Many Red Sox supporters are unlikely to expect a big return for Yoshida if the team decides to trade him. If they can sign a talented arm like Ortiz, the squad will be even better off than before.
