Trade Frenzy Alert! Red Sox in Shocking Talks as Outfielder and Relief Pitcher Spark Intense Interest!

The Red Sox have attracted trade interest in left fielder Masataka Yoshida, as reported by Jen McCaffrey and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. Although the Red Sox are not actively seeking to trade Yoshida, they are open to restructuring the outfield.

This aligns with a recent report from Alex Speier of the Boston Globe, where the Red Sox were contemplating trading an outfielder. The team could potentially have more suitors if they were to consider trading a more affordable, controllable player like Jarren Duran, Ceddanne Rafaela, or Wilyer Abreu. Trading Yoshida, while challenging, remains a possibility and could free up valuable spending room for the team.

Another avenue to shed some payroll would be a trade involving closer Kenley Jansen. According to Speier, the Red Sox are exploring interest in the four-time All-Star. Both Yoshida and Jansen were signed as free agents last offseason.

Yoshida was signed to a five-year, $90 million contract, with an additional $15.375 million posting fee paid to his former team, the Orix Buffaloes. The signing was a gamble on the left-handed hitter transitioning successfully to MLB pitching.

In his first season in the majors, Yoshida posted mixed results, batting .289/.338/.445 over 580 plate appearances. While demonstrating solid strike zone awareness and excellent contact skills, his offensive performance was not overwhelming. Yoshida hit 15 home runs but had a walk rate of less than 6%.

Primarily known for his batting, Yoshida has received below-average reviews for his glove, limiting him to left field or designated hitter. Defensive metrics like Defensive Runs Saved and Outs Above Average have not favored him.

Yoshida’s contract includes $18 million salaries for the next four seasons. While he might not secure a $72 million deal covering his age 30-33 campaigns in the current free-agent market, Boston may need to offset some of his salary to facilitate a trade.

On the other hand, Jansen, with a $16 million salary for the next season, presents a different trade profile. Despite a solid first season with the Red Sox, his long-term commitment is shorter, as he becomes a free agent after 2024. Jansen had a 3.63 ERA over 44 2/3 innings, securing 29 of 33 save chances.

With depth in both the outfield and the bullpen, the Red Sox have flexibility to explore trades that could create financial room for other acquisitions. The team is reportedly seeking starting pitching and a right-handed power bat.

While a Yoshida trade could open playing time in left field or DH, Speier notes that the Red Sox have been reluctant to offer more than two guaranteed years to free agent Teoscar Hernández. The team has also shown interest in Jorge Soler, but the length of the commitment remains uncertain.

The Red Sox are considering various options, including free-agent rotation pitchers like Blake Snell, Jordan Montgomery, and Shota Imanaga. While Imanaga may be a more realistic target, the team is described as “lurking” and may not be among the most actively involved suitors. Imanaga is expected to make his decision before the posting window closes next Thursday.