Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Masataka Yoshida

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 8, 2026

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Masataka Yoshida made an impact.

Masataka "Masa" Yoshida, nicknamed Macho Man, is a Japanese professional baseball player currently playing designated hitter and left fielder for the Boston Red Sox in MLB. Previously, he played for the Orix Buffaloes in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB).

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2015: Yoshida Drafted by Orix Buffaloes

In 2015, Masataka Yoshida was selected by the Orix Buffaloes in the first round of the NPB draft after playing college baseball for Aoyama Gakuin University.

2016: Yoshida's Stats with Orix

From 2016 Masataka Yoshida played with Orix and compiled a .327 batting average along with 467 RBI and 133 home runs in 762 games.

2016: Yoshida's First NPB Season

In 2016, Masataka Yoshida played his first season in NPB for Orix, achieving a .290 batting average with 10 home runs and 34 RBIs in 63 games.

2017: Yoshida's Second NPB Season

In 2017, Masataka Yoshida played 64 games for Orix, batting .311 with 12 home runs and 38 RBIs.

2018: Yoshida's NPB Season

In 2018, Masataka Yoshida played 143 games, batting .321 with an aggregate 55 home runs and 171 RBI.

2019: Yoshida's NPB Season

In 2019, Masataka Yoshida played 143 games, batting .322 with an aggregate 55 home runs and 171 RBI.

2020: Yoshida's NPB Season

In 2020, Masataka Yoshida had a batting average of .350, with a total of 56 home runs and 224 RBI in 349 games played.

December 7, 2022: Yoshida Posted by Orix

On December 7, 2022, Masataka Yoshida was posted by Orix, making him available to all 30 MLB teams for contract negotiations.

December 15, 2022: Yoshida Signs with Boston Red Sox

On December 15, 2022, Masataka Yoshida signed a five-year contract with the Boston Red Sox, reportedly worth $90 million.

2022: Yoshida's NPB Season

In 2022, Masataka Yoshida had a batting average of .335, with a total of 56 home runs and 224 RBI in 349 games played.

2022: Yoshida's Home Runs in the Japan Series

In 2022, Masataka Yoshida hit two home runs in Game 5 of the Japan Series, including a walk-off, leading Orix to win the series against the Tokyo Yakult Swallows.

2022: Yoshida's Stats with Orix

Until 2022 Masataka Yoshida played with Orix and compiled a .327 batting average along with 467 RBI and 133 home runs in 762 games.

April 23, 2023: Yoshida Hits Two Home Runs in One Inning

On April 23, 2023, Masataka Yoshida hit two home runs in the same inning, including a grand slam, in a game against the Milwaukee Brewers.

2024: Red Sox Use Yoshida Primarily as Designated Hitter

In the 2024 season, the Red Sox primarily used Masataka Yoshida as a designated hitter. He appeared in 108 games and underwent right shoulder labral repair surgery after the season.