The Boston Red Sox need to work out some issues regarding chemistry and position settings before they can compete for a World Series title.
They fixed some of their issues by having Masataka Yoshida return to his early 2023 form before needing right shoulder labral repair surgery. This was an issue that was limited all off-season and still has its effect going into March.
Alex Cora told reporters in Clearwater today that Masataka Yoshida is ready to DH in games. Still very early in his throwing program. 45 feet.
— Ian Browne (@IanMBrowne) February 28, 2025
On Feb. 28, Red Sox manager Alex Cora announced that Yoshida would ease his way back to the field as he starts to play in the Grapefruit League at the designated hitter position. Cora also said that he will still have limitations in his throws as he won’t be throwing more than 45 feet.
Cora didn’t state if Yoshida would only play DH even after his recovery, but he likes a versatile lineup.
All of this is to ensure that his transition back on the field isn’t rushed and to let his transition back on the field defensively be natural. The goal is for Yoshida to be well enough to play certain games in the outfield when they need third baseman Rafael Devers or first baseman Triston Casas to DH.
Yoshida had a slight drop in production last season, outside of the injury. In 108 games played, he accumulated a batting of .280, an on-base percentage of .349, and a slugging percentage of. 415. He also accounted for 45 runs, 106 hits, 21 double-base hits, 10 home runs, 56 RBIs, 27 walks, and 52 strikeouts.
The Red Sox can give themselves an even better chance at being a threat in the AL and AL East with a healthy and ready roster. Yoshida could easily have a bounce-back year once he concludes the rehab process.
Red Sox Favored In Blockbuster Trade For $56 Million Cy Young Pitcher
Miami Marlins ace Sandy Alcantara is off to a hot start this spring. In two spring training starts, the righty has tossed three innings without allowing a run. Better yet, the former Cy Young Award winner has been consistently around 100 MPH with his fastball.
With the righty returning from Tommy John surgery with such a vengeance, he’s going to be quite a hot commodity on the trade market.
FanSided’s Jacob Mountz recently suggested the Boston Red Sox could be among the favorites to land Alcantara if he lands on the trade block this season.
“As of now, Boston has two presumably reliable starters in Crochet and Tanner Houck in addition to intriguing arms like Walker Buehler, Brayan Bello, Kutter Crawford, and the returning Lucas Giolito,” Mountz wrote. “Adding Alcantara would not only provide the Red Sox with a new ace but give them the rotational depth they sorely lack. Going into the season, it seems like the Red Sox may be the team most motivated to pull off such a trade.”
The Red Sox would be the perfect landing spot for Alcantara.
Boston has the loaded farm system to deal from to bring in a controllable ace like the Marlins’ righty. The Red Sox are also in the American League compared to the Marlins, who are in the National League.
For Boston, acquiring Alcantara would give the team a second ace alongside Garrett Crochet. A rotation with these two at the top could lead the Red Sox to a division title and potentially even a World Series title.
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