The Boston Red Sox’s excess of left-handed hitters is one of the most pressing issues the team must address before next season.
Before the offseason even began, many of the Sox’s southpaws had been trade targets. Masataka Yoshida has been the subject of numerous rumours, as his two disappointing seasons in Boston and his inflexible skill set complicate his position in the team’s lineup. However, the designated hitter suffered shoulder surgery on October 3 and is likely to spend the entire offseason to recover, potentially lowering his already poor trade value.
Former Red Sox and Boston radio commentator Lou Merloni recently encouraged supporters to evaluate the team’s choices. The Sox still have a variety of left-handed bats to deal, as well as various potential uses for Yoshida.
Boston’s other major priorities include signing or trading for an elite starting pitcher and right-handed power hitters, and several of its capable left-handed bats might be included in such trades. Triston Casas, Wilyer Abreu, and Jarren Duran have all been suggested as potential trade targets to acquire top-tier talent. If any of them are traded this winter, Yoshida’s dependable lefty bat may become even more vital to the Sox’s offensive success.
Former Red Sox and Boston radio broadcaster Lou Merloni recently urged fans to consider the team’s options. The Sox still have a plethora of left-handed batters to trade, as well as numerous potential uses for Yoshida.
Boston’s other top targets include signing or trading for an exceptional starting pitcher and right-handed power bats, and several of its capable left-handed bats may be involved in such transactions. Triston Casas, Wilyer Abreu, and Jarren Duran have all been mentioned as trade candidates to acquire top-tier talent. If any of them are moved this winter, Yoshida’s reliable lefty bat could become even more important to the Sox’s offensive performance.
Yoshida’s diminished trade value does not spell the end of the Red Sox’s offseason intentions. There are plenty of other lefties to move, and they have one of MLB’s wealthiest owners, who can afford to make huge changes without relying on trades. Boston could also afford to eat a portion of Yoshida’s deal in order to move him and create lineup flexibility, though this appears unlikely at the moment. Even if Yoshida had to stay for the 2025 season, his skill set can still benefit the Red Sox in the ways Merloni highlighted.
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