The Boston Red Sox have put together quite an exciting offseason this winter. They’ve brought in pitcher Garrett Crochet and Walker Buehler to help anchor the starting rotation and recently they signed superstar third baseman Alex Bregman.
They could still look to swing more trades, potentially involving designated hitter Masataka Yoshida, in an attempt to shave some money off their books.
FanSided’s Jacob Mountz recently predicted the Red Sox would trade Yoshida to the Cleveland Guardians in a one-for-one swap for a young Guardians pitcher.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – APRIL 16: Masataka Yoshida #7 of the Boston Red Sox bats against the Cleveland Guardians during the first inning at Fenway Park on April 16, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. Brian Fluharty/Getty Images
Here’s the full deal pitched by Mountz which would send Yoshida to Cleveland:
- Boston Red Sox receive: RHP Luis Ortiz
- Cleveland Guardians receive: DH Masataka Yoshida
“On the Guardians’ side, Cleveland has plenty of starters with Tanner Bibee, Ben Lively, Gavin Williams, Triston Mckenzie, Logan Allen, and Shane Bieber making his return in addition to Ortiz,” Mountz wrote. “Bringing in a quality hitter would round out a solid lineup.
“It’s important to remember there isn’t much of a market for a player that can’t field a position or hit for power. Especially given Boston’s situation with Yoshida’s contract and without a place for him in the lineup, Ortiz might be a fantastic return here. But it wouldn’t be too surprising to see the Red Sox walking away with a prospect as well.”
Ortiz would be a huge return for Yoshida. The righty is just 26 years old, very talented, and on an affordable contract. Yoshida is a talented hitter, but he would be moved as a salary dump for the Red Sox.
Many Red Sox fans likely aren’t expecting a huge return for Yoshida, if the team opts to move him. If they can land a talented arm like Ortiz, the team will be in an even better place than before.
