Last winter, the Red Sox saw Xander Bogaerts leave the team. It was obviously a big piece to replace, especially since the acquisitions made in this direction were rather timid.
In fact, the big piece was Masataka Yoshida. The outfielder, signed from Japan, was seen as a good hitter, but few expected him to replace Bogaerts’ production.
However, after more timid beginnings, Yoshida is in big form for a few games. In fact, he has at least one hit in each of his last 14 games, a streak during which he maintains numbers worthy of MLB The Show 23.
Along with a .446 batting average, the Japanese homer hit five homers and drove in 18 runs and scored 13. That’s good for an MPP (OPS) of 1.288, no less.
In fact, during that streak, his batting average for the season increased by no less than 150 points, so he’s now seen as a serious contender for Rookie of the Year in the All-America.
And clearly his teammates are starting to see what he can bring to a team.
In fact, don’t expect Yoshida to be able to keep up the pace throughout the season. There will be down times, but right now the Japanese is doing what the Red Sox expected of him: he’s hitting hits and helping the club win.
Since the start of his streak, the Red Sox are 10-4 and have won their last six games. These recent successes have allowed the Bostonians to settle in third place in the East, ahead of the Jays and the Yankees.
As everyone predicted, right?
The Red Sox are without a doubt a nice surprise this season in major league baseball. It’s debatable whether they’ll be able to keep up the pace, but as long as Yoshida continues to hit the ball like this, it’s far from impossible.
Because right now, he’s not far off what Xander Bogaerts offered last year, and the Red Sox aren’t going to complain about that.
- The Jays recall Jay Jackson to compensate for the absence of Zach Pop.
- Lorenzo Cain will retire as a member of the Royals.
