Rumors abound about Masataka Yoshida's future with the Red Sox throughout the offseason and spring training, but he's ready to play for the Boston Red Sox. Just a few days into spring training this year, the on-court position of Red Sox players for the 2025 season has become a hot topic, and it's not just the third-base position that is in the spotlight.

Masashi Yoshida has now entered his third season of switching from NPB to MLB. According to Red Sox manager Alex Cora, Masayo Yoshida will get a chance to play in the outfield this year. "Yoshida will be involved," Cora said on Tuesday, "and we'll have to get him into shape." Last year he was the designated striker, this year we need him to defend and it's a different season. ”

As a full-time designated striker last year, Yoshida played just one game in left field, compared to 87 games in left fieldfield the previous season. The arrival of third baseman Alex Bregman could move Rafael Devers to the designated hitter, although Devers would prefer to stay on third base. If Devers becomes the team's designated strike, this chain reaction will affect the number of hits Yoshida has played as a designated strike. "It's not something I can control," Yoshida said through an interpreter after the team's training session on Tuesday, Yutaro Yamaguchi, "and we haven't communicated about it yet." I will fight wherever they tell me to. ”

Masayo Yoshida successfully underwent labral repair surgery for his right shoulder in October last year and has started light passing practice this week. "It's a long process, and the operation is huge," Cora said. He's starting to swing the baton now and we know we need him to defend. ”

On Wednesday, Masasho Yoshida and his outfielders from the left field practiced receiving the ball at JetBlue Park against the Green Monster (the iconic green fence on the left side of the field). He even handled a ball bouncing off the wall perfectly, and after judging that the ball would graze the green monster, he quickly adjusted his position and moved towards the infield, successfully coping with the ball's rebound. Yoshida also practiced his strikes on the court rather than in the practice cage, hitting the ball to the opposite side, in the outfield and in the right field. "In terms of striking, I feel 100 percent good about my swing," Yoshida said, "and in terms of passing, I'm just starting to practice off the court to see how it goes." When asked if he thinks he can be ready for the opening game, Yoshida said, "I'm just trying to increase the number of training sessions and try to be ready for the opening game, that's the plan." Aim for more playing time, more chances to hit the ball and prepare as much as I can. Masanao Yoshida said it would be a "different rhythm" to move from the rest area to the outfield this year, but he was looking forward to it.

When it comes to managing Yoshida's shoulder, Kora said to be patient, as he is not ready to strike a real battle at the moment. However, Korra commented on Yoshida's striking training: "His swing looks good. This offseason, the 31-year-old Masanori Yoshida chose to stay in Boston rather than return to Japan because of his family's love for the city. Mr. Yoshida said he had experienced first-hand Boston's four-season climate, similar to Japan, and that he and his family had eaten lobster rolls and visited Quincy Market.

Masanori Yoshida has received some criticism for his performances with the Red Sox in the previous two seasons, and this year he needs that "home atmosphere." In 2024, the left-hitter has a batting average of 0.280, 10 home runs and 56 RBIs in 108 games. In 52 games at Fenway Park last season, he batted at 0.292 and hit 54 hits. Masashi Yoshida was in hot form in July and August, hitting 0.333 and 0.326 respectively. After the All-Star break, he batted 0.299 and hit 0.453 long, but his form slipped in September. With outfielders including Jarren Duran, Ceddanne Rafaela and Wilyer Abreu, Masato Yoshida will face more right-hand pitchers, who batted 0.310 against last season. He's also done well against American League East opponents, batting average at 0.274, and he's hitting the most against any team against the Yankees in 2024 with 12 RBIs.

Despite the potential for fierce competition, Yoshida said he never thought about playing elsewhere. "My duty is to give it my all," Yoshida said, "whether my job is to target strikes or defend on the outfield, I'm going to do my best." I'm still in this team and I'm going to give it my all for the team. ”