Boston Red Sox Rookie Masataka Yoshida Joins a Rare Club in Franchise History

At the time of this posting, the Boston Red Sox lead the Chicago Cubs, 11-2.

Assuming the Red Sox hang on to win, they will take the series on the North Side and will move to 50-44 as they seek to make themselves further relevant in the American League playoff picture.

Sunday's offensive outburst has been fueled by rookie outfielder Masataka Yoshida, who is currently 2-for-4 with a grand slam, a triple and six RBI.

His big day has put him in rare company in the franchise record books.

Per ESPN Stats & Info:

Masataka Yoshida is the 3rd Red Sox rookie with multiple 6 RBI games since the stat became official in 1920.

Masataka Yoshida is the 3rd Red Sox rookie with multiple 6 RBI games since the stat became official in 1920. pic.twitter.com/7b3QrDJArL
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) July 16, 2023

He's been a huge factor for the Red Sox since coming over from Japan this offseason. He signed a five-year deal this past winter and is hitting .315 with 11 homers and 50 RBI. He's also stolen six bases and has helped stabilize the offense in the wake of a season-long injury to Trevor Story and injuries to numerous players, including Adam Duvall.

Some scouts and executives didn't think that Yoshida was a good signing this offseason, but he certainly has proven them wrong.

It's been a great year all around for Yoshida, who also helped lead Team Japan to a World Baseball Classic title this spring.

The Red Sox will head to Oakland on Monday to begin a three-game series with the Oakland Athletics. First pitch in that game is scheduled for 9:40 p.m. ET.

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