Is Masataka Yoshida the answer to Boston's batting woes? Promising Japanese talent's Red Sox prospects analyzed after breakout WBC performance 

Masataka Yoshida has been the talk of the World Baseball Classic, as the newest member of the Boston Red Sox excelled in Team Japan's first game. The talented outfielder went 3-for-3 with 5 RBIs during Japan's 13-4 victory over South Korea, sending Red Sox fans into a frenzy.

"Masataka Yoshida puts Team Japan ahead against Korea! The Tokyo Dome is ROCKING and he’s shining on the biggest stage!" - Tyler Milliken

If Yoshida can maintain this level of play throughout the tournament, Red Sox fans may be lining up at the merchandise counter, jersey in hand, before ever having played for the team.

One of the biggest moves of Boston's offseason was signing the free-agent outfielder to a five-year, $90 million deal. While the contract number is already high for the 29-year-old Japanese star, Boston also had to pay a $15.4 million posting fee to the Orix Buffaloes of the NPB.

In what was a difficult offseason for Boston fans. The team said goodbye to several important members of the squad, including Xander Bogaerts and J.D. Martinez, however, Yoshida may soon make them forget all about their departures.

"Still something exciting about big moment, bases loaded singles!! Masataka Yoshida puts Japan ahead. Are they gonna call him Macho Man or Yoshi in Boston??" - Sportsbook Consigliere

Yoshida caught the eye of many MLB teams thanks to his elite-level bat-to-ball skills. In 2022, the 29-year-old had 80 walks to 40 strikeouts, while also leading the NPB in on-base percentage in 2021 and 2022. While his batting power has nothing to write home about, his skills with the bat in his hand may quickly turn him into a fan favorite at Fenway Park.

If his production in Japan translates to MLB, Yoshida may prove to be a bargain for the Red Sox, who will be looking for solid table setters to bat in front of club superstar Rafael Devers. Fans and staff will be hoping that Yoshida's elite on-base skills can fill some of the void left by Bogaerts.

A look at Masataka Yoshida's 2022 season with the Orix Buffaloes

In 121 games with the Orix Buffaloes, Masataka Yoshida maintained a .336 batting average with 21 home runs, along with 89 RBIs. He also set a new career high with a 1.007 OPS. He finished second in the Japanese Pacific League in walks with 80, 10 more than third place.