Does Jurickson Profar Suspension Open Door for Red Sox-Braves Blockbuster Trade?
The Atlanta Braves signed Jurickson Profar to a three-year, $42 million deal in the offseason. However, he has reportedly tested positive for chorionic gonadotrophin, according to The Associated Press’ Beth Harris. He will be ineligible for the postseason even after serving his 80-game suspension. The Braves signed Alex Verdugo before the season started, and he is in Triple-A getting ready. However, Verdugo struggled last season and may not be what the Braves are looking for, especially after already starting 0-7. Meanwhile, the Boston Red Sox could be open to trading Masataka Yoshida.
FanSided’s Jacob Mountz suggested the Braves make an “emergency” trade for Yoshida to replace Profar. “His power numbers aren’t astounding, but in Atlanta, Yoshida’s power would play better with a possible 20-home run potential,” wrote Mountz. “As it stands, Yoshida’s left-handed bat would offer the Braves a vast improvement over Kelenic’s. His prowess at the plate could provide the run-scoring spark the Braves are woefully lacking.” Yoshida appeared as a designated hitter 101 times last season.
However, Rafael Devers is now the everyday designated hitter in Boston. Yoshida has a minus-eight outs above average in his career, so his subpar defense makes it difficult to justify playing him in the outfield. The Red Sox outfield is already crowded, and Roman Anthony is waiting in Triple-A, ready to take one of their outfield spots. The Red Sox signed Yoshida to a five-year, $90 million deal in 2023, but his numbers have not lived up to his salary. He has a .285 batting average in two seasons, but he has hit just 25 home runs. He hit 20-plus home runs in four of his final Nippon Professional Baseball seasons. The Braves are not in a position to be picky about defense. Their offense has been inconsistent as they wait for Ronald Acuña Jr. to return. Adding Yoshida could replace Kelenic. When healthy, the Braves would be able to deploy Yoshida, Acuña and Michael Harris II in the outfield.
