Red Sox Trade Rumors: Masataka Yoshida's Contract Drawing 'Virtually No Interest'

It doesn't appear that opposing teams are attempting to acquire Boston Red Sox outfielder Masataka Yoshida in trades due to his hefty contract, according to Alex Speier of the Boston Globe.

"The Red Sox have remained open to dealing outfielder Masataka Yoshida this offseason, but there's been virtually no interest from teams in assuming the remaining four years and $72 million he's owed," Speier wrote.

In 140 games during the 2023 season, Yoshida hit .289 with 15 home runs and 72 RBIs. He finished with the sixth-most votes for the American League Rookie of the Year award.

While his first year as a whole was commendable, his production declined during the second half of the season. After July, Yoshida recorded just 3 homers and 19 runs batted in during his final 47 games.

"I think a lot of it comes down to last year, he was experiencing a bunch of firsts," Red Sox hitting coach Pete Fatse said, per Sean McAdam of MassLive.com. "Not only was it the league itself, but the travel, a lot of different cultural elements that come with being here. I think he's probably a lot more prepared the second time around. I think it's about just putting his body in a better position to accomplish that."

However, Boston's front office may prefer to shed the rest of the 30-year-old's deal instead of relying on an improved second season. Yoshida signed a five-year contract worth $90 million during the 2022 offseason (via Spotrac).

It originally seemed as though that the Red Sox would have no issue finding a potential suitor for the outfielder on the trade market, as Jen McCaffrey and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported on Jan. 5 that "several teams" were intrigued with the prospect of acquiring Yoshida. It appears that interest has dried up, though.

The Red Sox have already been active in trade talks this offseason, sending Alex Verdugo to the New York Yankees on Dec. 5 for three right-handed pitching prospects.