Masataka Yoshida Shines for Team Japan in WBC

Red Sox fans may need to reconsider their stance on the struggling outfielder.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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Boston Red Sox outfielder Masataka Yoshida has struggled in his first three MLB seasons, but has been on fire playing for Team Japan in the World Baseball Classic. Yoshida has hit two home runs and is batting .500 with a 1.783 OPS in three WBC games, leading some to wonder if the Red Sox should reconsider trading him or if he could provide a boost when he returns to the MLB club.

Why it matters

Yoshida's strong WBC performance raises questions about whether his struggles with the Red Sox are more a product of the MLB competition level or a deeper issue. If he can translate this success to the regular season, it could significantly impact the Red Sox's outfield plans and roster construction.

The details

In three WBC games for Team Japan, Yoshida has hit two home runs and is batting .500 with a 1.783 OPS. This is a stark contrast to his first three MLB seasons with the Red Sox, where he has been a disappointment after signing a $90 million contract. The Red Sox may now have to weigh whether to try to trade Yoshida, potentially at a loss, or hold onto him in hopes he can carry over his WBC performance to the MLB level.

  • Yoshida hit a go-ahead home run for Team Japan in the bottom of the 7th inning on Sunday, March 12, 2026.
  • Yoshida hit another home run in a Team Japan exhibition game at the Tokyo Dome on Monday, March 13, 2026.

The players

Masataka Yoshida

A 28-year-old outfielder for the Boston Red Sox who has struggled in his first three MLB seasons but is excelling for Team Japan in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

Boston Red Sox

The MLB team that signed Masataka Yoshida to a $90 million contract in 2023, but has seen him underperform in his first three seasons with the club.

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What’s next

The Red Sox will have to decide whether to try to trade Yoshida in the offseason or hold onto him in hopes that his WBC success can translate to the MLB level.

The takeaway

Masataka Yoshida's strong performance for Team Japan in the World Baseball Classic has raised questions about whether the Red Sox should reconsider their stance on the struggling outfielder. If he can carry over this success to the MLB level, it could provide a significant boost to the Red Sox's outfield.