Red Sox's Masataka Yoshida nearing WBC hitting record with Team Japan

Yoshida has a chance to make history at the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Boston Red Sox outfielder/designated hitter Masataka Yoshida is having a standout performance for Team Japan at the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Yoshida hit a go-ahead two-run home run in the bottom of the seventh inning to lead Japan to a 4-3 win over Australia, moving him into third place on the all-time WBC RBI leaders list with 19 runs driven in.

Why it matters

Yoshida's success at the WBC comes after a disappointing first few seasons with the Red Sox, where he has struggled with injuries and inconsistent performance. A strong showing at the WBC could help build momentum for Yoshida heading into the upcoming MLB season as he looks to bounce back.

The details

Yoshida's Japan teammates include MLB superstars Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto of the Los Angeles Dodgers. The two players ahead of Yoshida on the all-time WBC RBI leaders list are Alfredo Despaigne (21) and Frederich Cepeda (23) of Cuba. Despaigne is playing in his fifth consecutive WBC with Cuba after making his tournament debut in 2009 and is the all-time home run leader with seven.

  • Yoshida hit a go-ahead two-run home run in the bottom of the seventh inning of Sunday's 4-3 win against Australia.

The players

Masataka Yoshida

Boston Red Sox outfielder/designated hitter who is playing for Team Japan at the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

Shohei Ohtani

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher and teammate of Yoshida on Team Japan.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher and teammate of Yoshida on Team Japan.

Alfredo Despaigne

Cuban player who is the all-time WBC home run leader with seven and is playing in his fifth consecutive WBC.

Frederich Cepeda

Cuban player who is second on the all-time WBC RBI leaders list with 23 RBIs.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Now that I have three years under my belt, to be honest with you guys, these three years weren't what I expected, so I'll leave it at that.”

— Masataka Yoshida (The Athletic)

The takeaway

Yoshida's strong performance at the 2026 World Baseball Classic could be a turning point in his career, as he looks to bounce back from a disappointing start with the Red Sox and establish himself as a star on the international stage.