Red Sox Slugger Yoshida Named One of MLB's Worst Contracts

Oft-injured outfielder's $90 million deal seen as major liability for Boston

Mar. 15, 2026 at 6:33pm

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According to a Bleacher Report analysis, the Boston Red Sox's five-year, $90 million contract with outfielder Masataka Yoshida is currently the team's worst deal. Despite strong performance in the World Baseball Classic for Japan, Yoshida has struggled to stay healthy and produce in his first three MLB seasons, accumulating just 1.5 WAR total. His defensive issues have also been a concern, leading the Red Sox to use him primarily as a designated hitter in recent years.

Why it matters

The Yoshida contract is a major financial commitment for the Red Sox, who have made several other big-money deals in recent years. His lack of production and durability has made the deal look like a bust so far, potentially forcing the team to consider moving him in order to better allocate their resources.

The details

Over his first three MLB seasons, Yoshida has been worth just 1.5 WAR total, per FanGraphs. He has also struggled defensively, posting negative defensive runs saved and outs above average in left field during his rookie year. As a result, the Red Sox have used him primarily as a designated hitter over the last two seasons, playing him just 45 innings in the outfield.

  • Yoshida signed a five-year, $90 million contract with the Red Sox prior to the 2023 season after making the jump from Japan to Major League Baseball.

The players

Masataka Yoshida

A Japanese outfielder who signed a five-year, $90 million contract with the Boston Red Sox prior to the 2023 season.

Tim Kelly

An analyst for Bleacher Report who ranked Yoshida's contract as the worst on the Red Sox roster.

Jarren Duran

An outfielder for the Red Sox who is expected to be the team's primary designated hitter to open the 2023 season.

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What they’re saying

“While Masataka Yoshida has gotten strong results in the World Baseball Classic for Japan, it's fair to say that he's been a bust to this point in his MLB career.”

— Tim Kelly, Analyst (Bleacher Report)

What’s next

If Boston ultimately decides to move Yoshida, it could be an attempt to reset the roster and better allocate resources more than anything else.

The takeaway

The Yoshida contract has become a major liability for the Red Sox, highlighting the risks of big-money deals for players who struggle with injuries and production. This case underscores the importance of careful roster management and contract evaluation for MLB teams.