Andrew Roberts

It’s been two years since Chaim Bloom signed Japanese standout Masataka Yoshida to a 5 year, $90 million contract. While Yoshida has had his moments in these first two seasons, he hasn’t quite been the player that Red Sox fans were expecting. After struggling in the field in his first season, Yoshida played just one game there in 2024, leading many Sox fans to call for Yoshida to be traded due to his lack of defensive flexibility. Masataka Yoshida remains on the roster heading into the spring, but his spot in the starting lineup may be in question if Alex Bregman stays at his natural position of third base, forcing Rafael Devers to designated hitter. However, we shouldn't be ready to give up on Yoshida, and this will be a big year in which to determine his long-term value. After all, he is one of the best contact hitters on the team, with a career batting average of .285. Let’s take a closer look at Yoshida heading into the 2025 season. What went wrong in 2024? After starting 20 games at DH in April and batting .281, Yoshida missed the month of May with a left thumb strain, and he wasn’t quite the same when he came back in June. June was one of the worst in Yoshida’s career, in which he posted a .204/.271/.278 slash line and failed to hit a single home run. He heated up during the summer and posted a team-leading .329 batting average in July and August. However, he cooled off again in September and finished the season just slightly above average with the stick, posting an OPS+ of 112. Perhaps his September struggles were due to the shoulder injury that forced him to get surgery in October. In a vacuum, Yoshida’s 2024 numbers don’t look all that bad, and he could perform even better in a fully healthy season. However, if you take into account the money he’s making, his lack of fielding ability, and his struggles from a power perspective, last year was still a disappointment for him. Many Sox fans have a hard time accepting a pure contact hitter as their full-time DH, especially given that they have recently had guys like David Ortiz and J.D. Martinez in the position. However, Yoshida can provide a decent amount of value to the team in 2025. What could go right in 2025? If nothing else, a healthy Yoshida is a .300 hitter and one of the best contact hitters on the team. Assuming he’s 100%, keeping him out of the Red Sox lineup this year will be difficult. I think there are a couple of ways he can get there. If the Sox start Kristian Campbell in Triple-A, Bregman may open the season at second base, and Devers will remain at third. That would allow Yoshida to continue to see games at DH, and despite the complaints of some fans, that won't be the end of the world. In addition to his ability to regularly get on base, Yoshida has shown upside as a power bat. He hit 15 home runs in 2023, and I would not be shocked to see a 20-homer year out of him at some point if not this season. After all, he was called “the Japanese Juan Soto” by outfielder Adam Jones when he played in Japan. Even once the Red Sox call up Campbell, Yoshida still has room to make an impact. First, Alex Cora often likes to platoon his rookie bats, which could allow Yoshida to continue to see some starts at DH against right-handed pitchers. In addition, Cora has also said that Yoshida will see time in the outfield this year. Yoshida played the majority of his 2023 games in left field. While the Sox may have better defensive options, it could be worth starting Yoshida in Fenway's tiny left field if that’s what it takes to keep his bat in the lineup. Given that he’s already preparing for outfield starts in spring training, his defense could certainly see improvement this time, and he was far from the biggest defensive problem with the 2023 team. How could this impact the Red Sox? So long as he’s healthy and getting on base, it benefits the Red Sox to do what they can to keep Yoshida in the starting lineup for a good part of the season. The Red Sox seemingly have a solid top four in Jarren Duran, Bregman, Devers, and Triston Casas. Still, guys like Yoshida and Trevor Story staying healthy and making contact would arguably make this Red Sox lineup the deepest in the AL East. I would like to see Yoshida bat sixth for the Red Sox, allowing him the opportunity to extend the inning and knock in some runs batting after some of the team’s best hitters. At DH or left field, Yoshida gives this Red Sox lineup a higher floor and ceiling. View full article

On Wednesday night, Alex Bregman reached an agreement to join the Boston Red Sox. Earlier in the week, Red Sox President of Baseball Operations Craig Breslow said that his front office was working hard. He noted, "We are taking meaningful steps." After a long negotiation process, the Red Sox have signed Alex Bregman to a three-year, $120 million contract with opt-outs after the first and second years, per Chandler Rome of The Athletic. The deal reportedly included deferred money and was over $10 million higher in AAV than what other teams offered, per Jeff Passan of ESPN. Craig Breslow has expressed the need throughout the offseason for the Red Sox to add an impact right-handed bat. Bregman has been linked to the Sox throughout the offseason as a fit to fill this need, and it appears the deal is finally sealed. Over the first nine seasons of his career, Bregman has been a key part of an Astros team that won World Series titles in 2017 and 2022. He holds a career batting average of .272 and an OPS of .849. His best season coming in 2019 when he posted a .296/.423/.592 slash line with 41 home runs and 119 runs batted in. Last season was not quite to that level, but he was still an above average hitter (OPS+ of 118) and hit 26 home runs. It is currently unclear where Bregman will slot into this Red Sox infield. The Red Sox could consider moving third baseman Rafael Devers to designated hitter or first base to allow Bregman to remain at third base. However, Bregman has also stated that he is open to moving to second base, where the Red Sox were initially set to have a spring training positional battle between Vaughn Grissom, David Hamilton, and highly-regarded prospect Kristian Campbell among others. Nonetheless, he should make a big impact on the Red Sox lineup, giving them much-needed right-handed power that could be a strong match for the Green Monster. Bregman has historically played very well at Fenway Park, batting .375 with an OPS of 1.240 in 21 games at Fenway. While the Red Sox will be paying Bregman $40 million per year, the short-term nature of the deal allows for flexibility once Campbell and fellow top prospects Roman Anthony and Marcelo Mayer are ready to see everyday time in the majors. The opt-outs after each year also give Bregman the ability to test the market again sooner than the 2027-28 offseason if he believes he can land a better deal. The contract is very similar in nature to that of Bregman’s former teammate Carlos Correa, who the Twins initially signed to a three-year, $105 million deal with opt-outs after each season. As expected, Correa opted out after the first season before landing a six-year, $200 million deal to return to the Twins the next offseason. Correa and Bregman are both represented by the Boras Corporation. Bregman was extended a qualifying offer by the Astros, meaning the Red Sox will be giving up a draft pick to sign him. However, the Red Sox will also gain a pick back as they extended a qualifying offer to starting pitcher Nick Pivetta, who reportedly agreed to sign a four-year deal with the Padres earlier tonight. We will have more on this signing in the coming days. Alex Bregman has the ability to answer a lot of questions for a team, but in terms of roster makeup and positional flexibility, there may be other questions as well. Breslow and manager Alex Cora can start answering some of those questions on Thursday. View full article

It's very clear the Sox need an ace, arguably far more than they need Juan Soto. It would be smartest if their biggest ticket acquisition was a pitcher. Max Fried would be an instant fit; Lucas Giolito is already actively recruiting him and he would balance out a right-handed heavy rotation. Let the Mets or Yankees have Soto, and go all in on signing Fried for around 6 years, $180 million. When it comes to the lineup, flexibility and balance should be the focal points. I have the Sox signing Alex Bregman, who has expressed willingness to play at second base. Why him over a natural 2B like Gleyber Torres? That flexibility to play third could come in handy, as it allows Devers to see some at bats at DH, with Vaughn Grissom and later Kristian Campbell taking some at bats at second in a more righty heavy lineup. I would also prefer Bregman over a lot of the free agent outfielders on the market due to his low strikeout rate. In the long term, I think Devers will make the move to DH with Campbell taking over whichever position Bregman does not. I have Bregman signing for 5 years, $125M. It's possible Masataka Yoshida is traded in the future to make way for this, but I have them holding onto him in hopes his value goes up and that he can continue to get on base consistently. Lastly, I have the Red Sox making a trade that has been heavily rumored, dealing Wilyer Abreu, Franklin Arias, and possibly 1 more prospect for SP Garrett Crochet. Crochet would slot in as a playoff starter alongside Fried and Houck, with Bello and Giolito filling out the rotation. In this scenario, I have Kutter Crawford shifting to a depth starter/bulk relief role, similar to what Nick Pivetta held in 2023. Crawford's job would be to take over when one of the starters is struggling or to follow up an opener when a starter is on the IL. With Abreu gone, I have Roman Anthony taking over as the de facto right fielder. Anthony has been tearing it up at every level he's played at, and he is more than ready for the job. In a smaller move, I'd have the Red Sox re-signing Danny Jansen to a 1 year, $7.5 million deal to improve the defense at catcher until Kyle Teel is ready. In this scenario, I would expect the Red Sox to primarily utilize the following 2 lineups: vs. RHP 1. Jarren Duran LF (L) 2. Trevor Story SS (R) 3. Rafael Devers 3B (L) 4. Triston Casas 1B (L) 5. Alex Bregman 2B (R) 6. Masataka Yoshida DH (L) 7. Roman Anthony RF (L) 8. Connor Wong/Danny Jansen C (R) 9. Ceddanne Rafaela CF (R) vs. LHP 1. Jarren Duran LF (L) 2. Trevor Story SS (R) 3. Rafael Devers DH (L) 4. Alex Bregman 3B (R) 5. Triston Casas 1B (L) 6. Rob Refsnyder RF (R) 7. Vaughn Grissom/Kristian Campbell 2B (R) 8. Connor Wong/Danny Jansen C (R) 9. Ceddanne Rafaela CF (R) I feel these lineups would embrace a strong combination of youth and experience. C: Danny Jansen ($7.50M) 1B: Tristan Casas ($0.80M) 2B: Alex Bregman ($25.00M) 3B: Rafael Devers ($27.07M) SS: Trevor Story ($22.50M) LF: Jarren Duran ($4.90M) CF: Ceddanne Rafaela ($1.25M) RF: Roman Anthony ($0.80M) DH: Masataka Yoshida ($18.60M) 4th OF: Rob Refsnyder ($2.25M) Utility: Vaughn Grissom ($0.80M) Utility: Kristian Campbell ($0.80M) Backup C: Connor Wong ($0.80M) NA: Add Dead Money Here ($0.00M) SP1: Max Fried ($30.00M) SP2: Tanner Houck ($4.50M) SP3: Garrett Crochet ($2.90M) SP4: Brayan Bello ($2.66M) SP5: Lucas Giolito ($19.00M) RP: Liam Hendricks ($6.00M) RP: Kutter Crawford ($3.50M) RP: Garrett Whitlock ($0.80M) RP: Justin Wilson ($0.80M) RP: Michael Fulmer ($0.80M) RP: Josh Winckowski ($0.80M) RP: Justin Slaten ($0.80M) RP: Brennan Bernardino ($0.80M) NA: Add Dead Money Here ($0.00M) Payroll is 6.78% under budget

It's very clear the Sox need an ace, arguably far more than they need Juan Soto. It would be smartest if their biggest ticket acquisition was a pitcher. Max Fried would be an instant fit; Lucas Giolito is already actively recruiting him and he would balance out a right-handed heavy rotation. Let the Mets or Yankees have Soto, and go all in on signing Fried for around 6 years, $180 million. When it comes to the lineup, flexibility and balance should be the focal points. I have the Sox signing Alex Bregman, who has expressed willingness to play at second base. Why him over a natural 2B like Gleyber Torres? That flexibility to play third could come in handy, as it allows Devers to see some at bats at DH, with Vaughn Grissom and later Kristian Campbell taking some at bats at second in a more righty heavy lineup. I would also prefer Bregman over a lot of the free agent outfielders on the market due to his low strikeout rate. In the long term, I think Devers will make the move to DH with Campbell taking over whichever position Bregman does not. I have Bregman signing for 5 years, $125M. It's possible Masataka Yoshida is traded in the future to make way for this, but I have them holding onto him in hopes his value goes up and that he can continue to get on base consistently. Lastly, I have the Red Sox making a trade that has been heavily rumored, dealing Wilyer Abreu, Franklin Arias, and possibly 1 more prospect for SP Garrett Crochet. Crochet would slot in as a playoff starter alongside Fried and Houck, with Bello and Giolito filling out the rotation. In this scenario, I have Kutter Crawford shifting to a depth starter/bulk relief role, similar to what Nick Pivetta held in 2023. Crawford's job would be to take over when one of the starters is struggling or to follow up an opener when a starter is on the IL. With Abreu gone, I have Roman Anthony taking over as the de facto right fielder. Anthony has been tearing it up at every level he's played at, and he is more than ready for the job. In this scenario, I would expect the Red Sox to primarily utilize the following 2 lineups: vs. RHP 1. Jarren Duran LF (L) 2. Trevor Story SS (R) 3. Rafael Devers 3B (L) 4. Triston Casas 1B (L) 5. Alex Bregman 2B (R) 6. Masataka Yoshida DH (L) 7. Roman Anthony RF (L) 8. Kyle Teel C (L) 9. Ceddanne Rafaela CF (R) vs. LHP 1. Jarren Duran LF (L) 2. Trevor Story SS (R) 3. Rafael Devers DH (L) 4. Alex Bregman 3B (R) 5. Triston Casas 1B (L) 6. Rob Refsnyder RF (R) 7. Vaughn Grissom/Kristian Campbell 2B (R) 8. Connor Wong C (R) 9. Ceddanne Rafaela CF (R) I feel these lineups would embrace a strong combination of youth and experience. C: Connor Wong ($0.80M) 1B: Tristan Casas ($0.80M) 2B: Alex Bregman ($25.00M) 3B: Rafael Devers ($27.07M) SS: Trevor Story ($22.50M) LF: Jarren Duran ($4.90M) CF: Ceddanne Rafaela ($1.25M) RF: Roman Anthony ($0.80M) DH: Masataka Yoshida ($18.60M) 4th OF: Rob Refsnyder ($2.25M) Utility: David Hamilton ($0.80M) Utility: Vaughn Grissom ($0.80M) Backup C: Kyle Teel ($0.80M) NA: Add Dead Money Here ($0.00M) SP1: Max Fried ($30.00M) SP2: Tanner Houck ($4.50M) SP3: Garrett Crochet ($2.90M) SP4: Brayan Bello ($2.66M) SP5: Lucas Giolito ($19.00M) RP: Liam Hendricks ($6.00M) RP: Kutter Crawford ($3.50M) RP: Garrett Whitlock ($0.80M) RP: Justin Wilson ($0.80M) RP: Michael Fulmer ($0.80M) RP: Josh Winckowski ($0.80M) RP: Justin Slaten ($0.80M) RP: Brennan Bernardino ($0.80M) NA: Add Dead Money Here ($0.00M) Payroll is 10.14% under budget

By all indications, the Red Sox are in the market for a high-end starter. Here's why the former Atlanta ace might be a perfect fit in Boston. The Red Sox took strides in the right direction last year, but it is hard to ignore the team’s late-season collapse. The lack of an experienced frontline starter certainly did not help. Tanner Houck has a bright future, but reaching a career-high 178 2/3 innings took a toll on his performance down the stretch last year. The ability to pitch that many innings at a high level will need to come in time. It seems the consensus among both analysts and fans of the team is that Houck would be best off as a number two starter behind an experienced ace, allowing Brayan Bello, Lucas Giolito, and Kutter Crawford to fill out the final three spots of the rotation. Free agency offers a plethora of candidates to become the number one starter. Available pitchers include Blake Snell, Nathan Eovaldi, Jack Flaherty, Shane Bieber, and Corbin Burnes (whom Brandon Glick wrote about last week). However, Max Fried may be the best fit of all as this team’s ace. I'll lay out the pros and cons of signing Fried, as well as whether I think the Sox should and will actually do so. Pros Consistency Consistency might be Fried's biggest draw. While he's never won a Cy Young, over the past five seasons, he's never posted an ERA above 3.25 or a strikeout rate below 22%. This combination of efficiency, effectiveness, and endurance is very hard to find. It has led him to reach 165 innings four times during his career. Of the current Red Sox starters, only Giolito has had multiple 160 inning seasons). Fried's floor is a top-30 pitcher in baseball. I also believe he has the ceiling to win a Cy Young in the future. In 2020, his 2.25 ERA allowed him to finish fifth in the Cy Young voting. In 2022, when he ran a 2.48 ERA, he finished second. Familiarity Through his connection with Lucas Giolito, it’s likely Fried would fit in quickly within the Red Sox locker room. Fried, Flaherty, and Giolito were all part of the same high school rotation at Harvard-Westlake in Los Angeles. This could also strengthen Boston’s recruiting pitch. In fact, Giolito has already made his pitch for Fried quite publicly, mentioning on the Baseball Isn't Boring podcast that they had talked about playing on the same big league team since they were 17. Balance As of right now, the Red Sox do not have a left-handed pitcher in their starting rotation. I think that makes it more likely the Red Sox will target a lefty for their new ace. While there are a handful of other lefties on the market, including Snell, Fried’s consistent track record and personal connection to Giolito may make him the most appealing of any lefty starter on the open market. Cons Durability For any team preparing to offer a long-term contract to the 30-year-old Fried, his injury history has to be a concern. Fried hit the IL three different times during the 2023 season and made just 14 starts. He also missed time during the 2024 season with ulnar neuritis in his pitching elbow. However, that 2023 season is a bit of an outlier for Fried, who started 25 or more games in 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2024. He also started 11 in the shortened 2020 season with one brief IL stint. Playoff Performance Fried’s playoff outings have been a mixed bag. In 20 career playoff starts, he has a 5.10 ERA and 4.05 FIP. However, he’s certainly had his moments, including tossing six shutout innings in the clinching game of the 2021 World Series. Even good pitchers sometimes crack in the playoffs. Experience and success in big moments are both good signs that Fried may avoid doing this frequently in the future. Price We won't know until the offseason is over exactly how high the Red Sox expect their payroll to go. Despite being one of the most valuable teams and biggest markets in baseball, they have sat outside the top 10 in payroll for the last two seasons. Fried will certainly cost a lot of money. Jim Bowden projects him for a five-year, $174-million deal, while Ben Clemens has him at five years and $140 million. Filling the team's greatest area of need would make this expenditure well worth it, and their presence in the Juan Soto sweepstakes could be a sign that they are here to compete for the big-ticket free agents. Should the Sox sign him? While Fried may have his flaws, I feel the pros far outweigh the cons here. He’d be an instant fit in the locker room, balance out the rotation, and give the Red Sox a consistent force atop their rotation for years to come. Personally, I would offer Fried five years and $125 million out of the gate, but if it takes a six-year deal or a higher AAV to get it done, the Red Sox should remain open to that. Will the Sox sign him? I give it about a 30% chance. The Sox seem to be serious about spending this offseason, but it’s possible they get outbid by big-market teams or fill the need at the top of the rotation through other options like Burnes, Snell, or a trade for Garrett Crochet. However, Fried is a great fit in Boston and the Sox have a legitimate chance to sign him. View full article