Red Sox Freshmen Struggle on Way to AL Title Race
Chris Cotillo wondered how the Boston Red Sox will handle a tricky Opening Day roster dilemma.
Red Sox Reporter Highlights 'Unbelievably Unique' Roster Situation originally appeared on NESN . Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here . The Boston Red Sox face a complicated roster situation before Opening Day.
A crowded outfield could block Masataka Yoshida from earning playing time in 2026. It would still be difficult to leave the career . 282/.
337/. 425 hitter off the big league roster altogether as he enters the fourth season of a five-year, $90 million contract after a standout World Baseball Classic showing. MassLive's Chris Cotillo considered Boston's conundrum on the "Monster Territory" podcast.
"It's just such an unbelievably unique situation with him because he is like an albatross contract in a way, but probably too good a player to be labeled that," Cotillo said. Much has changed since Boston signed Yoshida to play left field in 2023. Jarren Duran emerged as a late-bloomer breakout, and the organization has found a potential long-term cornerstone in Roman Anthony.