\u201cWe\u2019ve done it before,\u201d manager Alex Cora said last month about an outfield rotation of sorts. \u201cWe\u2019ll do it again. That\u2019s my job to do. We set the roster and I\u2019ll make sure we maximize the roster.\u201d<\/p>\n
That group staying intact will leave a pittance of plate appearances for Masataka Yoshida, who hopes to have a full, healthy season for the first time since he was a stateside rookie in 2023. <\/p>\n
Yoshida, who has two years and $36 million remaining on the contract he signed in December 2022, isn\u2019t a clean fit for the roster and is a trade candidate if the Sox can find a team willing to take on a satisfactory amount of the money owed (in the same way they dumped most of Jordan Hicks\u2019s salary on the White Sox, by attaching a prospect to him).<\/p>\n
In 55 games last year after returning from a lengthy, complicated rehabilitation following shoulder surgery, Yoshida batted .266\/.307\/.388, below-average output. That he was better in September \u2014 .333\/.351\/.486 \u2014 provided a modicum of optimism that he can be a productive big leaguer.<\/p>\n
![\"Masataka](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/KAIUWHTUDTQZFVELCRIRASPCUE.jpg\")
Masataka Yoshida had a strong finish to the 2025 season, and hopes to be a factor at DH in 2026.Frank Franklin II\/Associated Press<\/p>\n
Although the Red Sox don\u2019t have a traditional big-bopper DH, their depth is intriguing. Among those options: Kristian Campbell, who will need to re-prove himself as a worthwhile hitter after major offseason work to his swing and approach<\/a>; Romy Gonzalez, who crushed lefthanded pitching and should see time in the infield; and Triston Casas.<\/p>\n Casas, still just 26 years old, has had his past two seasons wrecked by injuries, including a season-ending patellar tendon rupture in his left knee last May.<\/p>\n He said in January that doctors told him he should be back to normal, post-surgery, by early May. He described being ready for Opening Day as a \u201ctight squeeze.\u201d<\/p>\n If and when he proves healthy, Casas should factor into the first base\/DH equation<\/a>, pending the performance and availability of others. He can be optioned to Triple A Worcester.<\/p>\n His torrid second half in 2023 \u2014 1.034 OPS and 15 home runs in 54 games \u2014 lingers in the back of the minds of Red Sox decision-makers. If only they can help him refind that form, he could be a monster.<\/p>\n Casas said at the team\u2019s fan fest last month that he doesn\u2019t \u201chave any expectation\u201d for his role in 2026. He realizes where he\u2019s at after his lost years.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve had good stretches as a major league player, and I\u2019ve had mostly bad ones,\u201d Casas said. \u201cAnd I see and I know the habits of the best, and I think that I\u2019m right there with them. I haven\u2019t shown it on the field, but mentally, I think that I still have that potential of being an All-Star-caliber player.\u201d<\/p>\n DESIGNATED HITTER<\/p>\n Primary 2025 DHs: Rafael Devers (73 starts), Masataka Yoshida (44), Rob Refsnyder (18), Roman Anthony (17).<\/p>\n Projected 2026 starters: Jarren Duran, Roman Anthony, Yoshida.<\/p>\n Major league depth: Triston Casas, Kristian Campbell, Romy Gonzalez.<\/p>\n Prospects to watch: N\/A.<\/p>\n This week we dig into Super Bowl LX preparations and if Drake Maye\u2019s shoulder will be the main storyline of Patriots vs. Seahawks this Sunday.<\/p>\n Tim Healey can be reached at timothy.healey@globe.com<\/a>. Follow him @timbhealey<\/a>.<\/p>\n