The Boston Red Sox have officially parted ways with veteran outfielder and designated hitter Masataka Yoshida after acquiring Willson Contreras from the St. Louis Cardinals. The move clears roster space in Boston’s crowded lineup as the team looks to strengthen its middle-of-the-order power hitting. Yoshida had been with the Red Sox since 2022, when he signed a five-year, $90 million contract after a successful career in Japan.
Yoshida, 32, struggled with injuries and inconsistent performance during his time in Boston. Over three seasons, he appeared in just 303 of a possible 486 games, hitting 29 home runs with a career .762 OPS. His defensive struggles in the outfield, combined with limited versatility, made him expendable following the addition of Contreras, who brings both power and experience to the team.
The Red Sox now have a crowded outfield and designated hitter rotation, including first baseman Triston Casas and young stars Roman Anthony, Ceddanne Rafaela, and Wilyer Abreu. Contreras is expected to take the majority of at-bats at DH and first base, leaving limited opportunities for Yoshida. Analysts had predicted that he would be the “odd man out,” and the team’s decision confirms those expectations.
While the details of Yoshida’s next destination have not been announced, the move signals Boston’s commitment to reshaping its roster for both immediate competitiveness and future flexibility. The Red Sox continue to pursue a balance of veteran presence and young talent as they prepare for the 2026 season.