The Boston Red Sox are in search of a new designated hitter following the trade of Rafael Devers, and they might soon turn to Masataka Yoshida. According to Alex Cora, Yoshida could be ready to go on a rehab assignment shortly, signaling his approach back to the roster. While expected to be part of a platoon with Rob Refsnyder, Yoshida's consistent performance—showing a batting average around .285 and a WAR of 1.4 in recent seasons—could provide a significant boost to the Red Sox's lineup as they pursue a Wild Card spot in the competitive AL race.

Currently on the 60-day injured list, Yoshida's imminent return is particularly encouraging. In his tenure with the Red Sox, he has amassed 25 home runs and a solid .783 OPS. The combination of his past performance and the urgency of the Red Sox's playoff aspirations makes Yoshida's return a pivotal moment for the team.