Alex Cora reveals why Masataka Yoshida did not play OF in 2024

Cora famous Yoshida’s arm well being wasn’t adequate to see time within the outfield final season.

Masataka Yoshida noticed a little bit of a decreased function in 2024, and now Alex Cora gave a definitive purpose for that change. (Picture by Maddie Meyer/Getty Pictures)

Masataka Yoshida had a irritating season in 2024, being relegated to a platoon function within the offense. Even worse, Yoshida didn’t see time within the outfield, so he was a chosen hitter who wouldn’t all the time hit.

Actually a big dropoff from Yoshida’s earlier function as an outfield arm with a ton of offensive upside. The 31-year-old Japanese product batted .289 in 2023, his first season within the majors. He launched 15 homers and recorded 72 RBIs that season.

2024 was a distinct story.

Yoshida wasn’t all the time wholesome, and even when he was, he didn’t see practically the identical utilization fee in his second season. His batting common didn’t dip too far, simply to .280, however he had 159 fewer at-bats in 2024.

At Pink Sox Fenway Fest on Saturday, Boston supervisor Alex Cora lastly offered a definitive purpose as to why Yoshida was scratched virtually solely from the protection.

“Our outfield protection was nice final yr, however in an ideal world, if he was wholesome, he was going to play the outfield,” Cora advised reporters. “The throwing a part of it wasn’t there in order that’s the explanation he really didn’t play.”

The Pink Sox swore up and down for six months that Yoshida’s lack of OF time was as a result of they’d higher choices, even after the damage was revealed on the final day of the season.

In the present day: “Yeah, our outfield protection was nice final yr, however in an ideal world, if he was wholesome,…

— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) January 11, 2025

Not enjoying within the outfield turned a speaking level of the season, particularly contemplating Boston inked a $90 million contract to carry Yoshida to the Pink Sox. Most of that worth diminished along with his bizarre utilization fee, therefore why Yoshida’s title arose in commerce discussions as a possible cap-saving measure.

Cora did add that the door is open for Yoshida to return to the outfield in 2025, which might rehabilitate his worth, and confidence, in 2025.

That’ll be simpler stated than finished, although, given the stacked outfield Boston is bringing into spring coaching. They’ll carry Jarren Duran, Wilyer Abreu, and Ceddanne Rafaela because the anticipated starters, in addition to constant righty platoon bat Rob Refsnyder as a bench possibility. To not point out the No. 1 prospect in baseball, Roman Anthony, itching to make his technique to the MLB.

So, whereas Yoshida may have the ability to return to the outfield if he’s wholesome sufficient, he should still face challenges cracking the Pink Sox lineup defensively in 2025.