After the Boston Red Sox’s final game on September 29, Masataka Yoshida addressed the media regarding his health. Reports from Carlos Yamazaki of Tokyo Sports indicated that Yoshida might need surgery on his right shoulder soon. The designated hitter revealed that he has been dealing with shoulder pain for a while, particularly feeling discomfort during swings and misses.
Yoshida isn’t the only player on the team to struggle with a shoulder issue this season; Rafael Devers also had his season cut short due to a similar problem that began in spring training. To assess the situation, Yoshida will undergo an MRI on his right shoulder, which will help determine whether surgery is required for recovery. If surgery is deemed necessary, it could complicate the Red Sox’s plans for the offseason.
At 31 years old and with a background in Nippon Professional Baseball, Yoshida has emerged as a potential trade candidate for Boston as they prepare for winter moves. He signed a five-year, $90 million contract before the 2023 season, a commitment that the financially cautious Red Sox front office might look to reduce. However, if he requires offseason surgery, it could significantly diminish his trade value, creating uncertainty about his future with the team.
