How Exciting New Outfielder Masataka Yoshida Fared In First Game With Red Sox

Masataka Yoshida officially made his debut with the Boston Red Sox on Friday afternoon.

The former Japanese star outfielder started for Boston in its annual spring training kick-off game against Northeastern University and finished the day 0-1 with a sacrifice fly in one inning of work. The 29-year-old started in left field and in both of his plate appearances drove the ball well, but was unable to get one to drop.

In Yoshida's first plate appearance, he stepped up to the plate from the team's clean up spot with a man on first and third base. After falling behind to an 0-2 count, Yoshida connected on a pitch from Northeastern's James Quinlan and drove it to the left field warning track where it was caught, but it was plenty far enough to drive in a run for Boston.

Yoshida stepped up to the plate once more before being taken out of the contest and drove the ball once again, but this time it was caught near the center field warning track. The exciting outfielder then was replaced by Narciso Crook in left field.

One thing about Yoshida that has caught the attention of Red Sox fans and media members alike has been his smooth swing and it was on full display Friday against Northeastern.

Side-view of Masataka Yoshida’s swing yesterday. pic.twitter.com/7goGLQwKJC
— Tyler Milliken ⚾️ (@tylermilliken_) February 25, 2023

Although he technically is a rookie this year, Yoshida already has high expectations around. His projections for the 2023 season are off the charts according to Fangraphs and if he's able to get even close them, he'll be a major player for the Red Sox years to come.

It was just the first game of spring training -- and against a college team -- so there's no reason to get ahead of ourselves, but it was nice at least to see Yoshida in a Red Sox uniform.

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