Masataka Yoshida Breaks 80-Year Red Sox Record After Red-Hot Start To His Career
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The Boston Red Sox certainly look like they made the right move this past offseason.
Boston inked longtime Orix Buffaloes outfielder Masataka Yoshida to a five-year contract to come over to Major League Baseball and some people questioned the move. Yoshida was a star in Japan, but some wondered if his high production would translate over with the Red Sox.
Although in a small sample size, Yoshida already has shown that he can be one of the league's best offensive outfielders. The 29-year-old arguably has been Boston's best player so far on the young season and is slashing .319/.393/.502 to go along with seven home runs and 33 RBIs through 53 contests so far this season.
Yoshida has been so impressive so far this season that he has joined historic Red Sox company. The rookie outfielder set a new Boston record for most times reaching base in his first 50 games with his club since the Live Ball Era began after doing so 87 times. Johnny Pesky previously held the record after reaching base 86 times in his first 50 games in 1942. Yoshida even reached base more times in his first 50 games than Hall of Famer Ted Williams who did so 82 times in his first 50 games in 1939.
Although there is plenty of time left this season, Yoshida already is proving that his signing was the perfect move and the Red Sox maybe even underspent. If Yoshida can continue his current pace and remain healthy, he likely will be a major player with the club for years to come and maybe pick up an American League batting title or two along the way.
Boston may not be in first place in the division right now, but things certainly are looking up for the club.
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