The Boston Red Sox boast considerable depth heading into 2025, with talent both on the major league roster and in the upper levels of their farm system. With numerous roster decisions ahead, manager Alex Cora has already confirmed one key move—Masataka Yoshida will see time in the outfield again this season.
Yoshida, who spent nearly his entire 2024 season as Boston’s designated hitter, posted a solid .280/.349/.415 slash line. However, with the departure of 2024 home run leader Tyler O’Neill to the Orioles and Rafael Devers expected to log some DH reps, the Red Sox could use additional outfield depth. Yoshida’s bat remains crucial to the team’s success, even if some fans are skeptical of his defensive value.
That said, Yoshida isn’t quite ready to return to the field. After undergoing labrum surgery in October, he’s progressing well at the plate but remains behind schedule in his throwing recovery. Fortunately, Boston has plenty of outfield depth, including newcomer Trayce Thompson.
Thompson, 33, last played in the majors with the Dodgers and White Sox in 2023, struggling to a .163/.285/.294 slash line over 72 games.
However, he has impressed in Red Sox camp, launching three homers and driving in five runs in his first seven spring appearances. While the regular season will present tougher challenges, his early production has put him in the mix for a roster spot.
If Yoshida isn’t fully ready to throw by Opening Day, Thompson could provide a defensive upgrade with his speed, athleticism, and a track record of at least league-average defense. In 2023, he recorded one out above average and two errors across 107 Triple-A games.
Even without Yoshida, the Red Sox have outfield options in Jarren Duran, Ceddanne Rafaela, Wilyer Abreu, and Rob Refsnyder, along with top prospects Roman Anthony and Kristian Campbell.
While Anthony and Campbell may start the year in the minors and Abreu is recovering from a gastrointestinal virus, Thompson has a clear path to a roster spot. He may not be a long-term fixture in Boston, but he could prove to be a valuable depth piece to start the season.
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