The New York Mets made several strong additions this offseason, but there are still a few areas that could use improvement—particularly right field and designated hitter.
According to Chris Landers of FanSided, the Mets may want to look beyond Brett Baty as the solution.
Instead, he suggests New York could explore a trade with the Boston Red Sox for designated hitter/outfielder Masataka Yoshida, who has been performing well during the World Baseball Classic.
Landers noted that the Mets currently lack a clear answer at either right field or DH. Yoshida could rotate between both positions and help stabilize the lower part of New York’s lineup, which otherwise risks becoming too top-heavy.
He also mentioned that while it’s uncertain if Boston has interest in Mark Vientos, a move to Fenway Park might help the young hitter rediscover the potential he once showed.
During his three seasons with the Red Sox, Yoshida has posted a .282/.337/.425 slash line with a .762 OPS, along with 65 doubles, 29 home runs, and 154 RBIs in 303 games.
His ability to reach base and drive in runs makes him a natural fit for the designated hitter role.
Yoshida is currently in the fourth year of a five-year, $90 million contract, meaning any deal would require the Mets to absorb the remaining salary.
Given their financial flexibility, however, that may not be a major obstacle.
If the Mets can complete a deal, Yoshida could represent the final piece needed to strengthen their roster and push them closer to contention in the National League.
