Call to the pen
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Resurgence of the Red Sox outfield: How Alex Verdugo, Masataka Yoshida, and Jarren Duran are powering Boston’s success

By Justin Girshon

May 1, 2023; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox right fielder Alex Verdugo (99) hits a walk off home run against the Toronto Blue Jays during the ninth inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
May 1, 2023; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox right fielder Alex Verdugo (99) hits a walk off home run against the Toronto Blue Jays during the ninth inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports /
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Boston Red Sox left fielder Masataka Yoshida
Apr 23, 2023; Boston Red Sox left fielder Masataka Yoshida (7) hits a grand slam home run during the eighth inning of their game against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports /

Masataka Yoshida
2023 stats: 40 G, .308/.384/.494 (139 wRC+), -2 OAA, -1.7 BsR, 0.8 fWAR

One of the reasons the Red Sox moved Verdugo from left field to right field was that they signed Masataka Yoshida for $90 million over five years. Yoshida, who excelled in Japan, was brought in as the Red Sox’s marquee free agent, which the public didn’t react to well — particularly because the team opted not to make an effort to keep franchise icon Xander Bogaerts.

In addition to fans, even some scouts weren’t fond of the signing, particularly those who spoke with ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel. “In total, I spoke to ten sources in the aftermath of the signing and they all had a similar breakdown,” McDaniel said. “They all had some level of appreciation for the player, but thought the Red Sox overpaid by a hefty margin.”

During the World Baseball Classic, while representing Japan, Yoshida showed why the Red Sox gave him the loftiest guarantee of any position player making the jump from Nippon Professional Baseball to the majors, being named to the WBC All-Tournament team and helping Japan win the tournament.

Despite a slow start, Yoshida has been one of the best offensive outfielders in MLB. Among 65 qualified outfielders, Yoshida’s 139 wRC+ (which is one point lower than Mike Trout’s) is the 12th-best.

Although Yoshida has struggled defensively and on the bases to start his major league career, his bat makes him one of the most valuable hitters in Boston’s lineup.

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