The Boston Red Sox and the upper levels of their farm system are loaded with talent, giving them significant depth across the diamond heading into the 2025 season.
As they prepare for Opening Day, Boston faces several roster decisions. One certainty, according to manager Alex Cora, is that Masataka Yoshida will return to the outfield. Yoshida spent nearly all of the 2024 season as the team’s designated hitter, posting a solid .280/.349/.415 slash line. However, with the departure of Tyler O’Neill—Boston’s 2024 home run leader—to the Orioles, the Red Sox need additional outfield coverage. Rafael Devers may also see time as DH, making Yoshida’s bat crucial to the team’s success, even if some fans remain skeptical.
Despite the plan to move him back to the field, Yoshida isn’t yet ready. After undergoing labrum surgery in October, his throwing progression is behind schedule, though he can swing without issue. Fortunately, the Red Sox have several depth options, including new addition Trayce Thompson, to hold down the outfield in the meantime.
Thompson, 33, last played in the majors with the Dodgers and White Sox in 2023, struggling at the plate with a .163/.285/.294 line over 72 games. However, his performance in Red Sox spring training has been much more encouraging, with three home runs and five RBIs in his first seven games as of March 4. While the competition will be tougher in the regular season, Thompson has made a strong case for a roster spot. If Yoshida isn’t fully cleared to throw by Opening Day, Thompson could provide an upgrade defensively with better speed, athleticism, and a track record of at least league-average outfield defense. In 2023, he recorded one out above average and two errors over 107 Triple-A games.
Even if Yoshida is unavailable, Boston has a deep outfield group, including Jarren Duran, Ceddanne Rafaela, Wilyer Abreu, Rob Refsnyder, and top prospects Roman Anthony and Kristian Campbell. While Anthony and Campbell may not start the year in the majors, and Abreu is currently sidelined with a gastrointestinal virus, Thompson has a realistic path to making the Opening Day roster. He may not be a long-term piece for the Red Sox, but he could provide valuable depth early in the season.