Jarren Duran. Aroldis Chapman. Romy González.
The Red Sox have a few notable jacked dudes on the roster, and it sounds as though another player is entering the conversation to join them.
“(Masataka Yoshida) looks good, man,” Red Sox manager Alex Cora told reporters on Tuesday, as seen on NESN. “Masa — I don’t know if you guys have noticed, but his body is a lot different than the last few years.”
Yoshida was one of many veteran players to arrive at the club’s spring training complex in Fort Myers, Fla. on Tuesday, rocking what seemed to be some added strength along with his round-framed sunglasses.
The Red Sox are hoping his better physical state will allow Yoshida to stay on the field, as the 31-year-old missed 76 total games over the last two seasons. Boston would also like to see him enter the outfield conversation, as nagging injuries relegated him to being just a designated hitter throughout the large majority of 2024.
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“He’s in his swing progression. He’s not throwing yet, so that’s something we have to take into consideration this month, and over the coming months,” Cora said. “Last year, we knew the situation. The (outfield) defense was a lot better last year, but as far as the roster, for it to be functional, we might need him to play the outfield here and there.
“We’ll get there when we get there, but as far as the swing goes, he’s in a good spot.”
Featured image via Troy Taormina/Imagn Images
