Red Sox Reportedly Exploring $90M Yoshida Trade

Outfielder's fit in crowded roster has become a question mark after two seasons in Boston.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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The Boston Red Sox are reportedly considering trading outfielder Masataka Yoshida, who has struggled with injuries and doesn't have a clear path to playing time in the team's crowded outfield and designated hitter mix. The move could free up roster flexibility and at-bats for younger talent, though Yoshida has shown offensive potential despite questions about his defense.

Why it matters

Yoshida's potential trade would be a notable roster shakeup for the Red Sox, who have had the $90 million outfielder on their books for the past two seasons. It reflects the team's need to create more opportunities for their young players while also potentially recouping value on Yoshida's contract.

The details

After two seasons in Boston, Yoshida's fit on the Red Sox roster has become uncertain due to the team's crowded outfield and designated hitter options. FanSided's Cody Williams predicted the Red Sox will explore trading Yoshida before the upcoming season, noting that the move would "free up the DH spot, and make the outfield logjam less cumbersome" while also opening up more roster flexibility. Yoshida has shown offensive potential, but questions remain about his defense and durability due to injury issues.

  • The Red Sox are reportedly considering trading Masataka Yoshida before the 2026 MLB season.

The players

Masataka Yoshida

A 28-year-old outfielder who has played the past two seasons for the Boston Red Sox after signing a 5-year, $90 million contract.

Cody Williams

A writer for the FanSided sports network who predicted the Red Sox will explore trading Yoshida before the upcoming season.

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What they’re saying

“Some Red Sox fans will be doing cartwheels in the street should this come to pass, and it seems like we're certainly trending in that direction.”

— Cody Williams, FanSided Writer (FanSided)

The takeaway

The potential Yoshida trade reflects the Red Sox's need to create more opportunities for their young players while also potentially recouping value on the $90 million outfielder's contract, as his fit on the crowded roster has become uncertain.