While the Boston Red Sox offense has been searching for its rhythm early in the 2026 season, one veteran hitter is making an undeniable case for more playing time. Designated hitter Masataka Yoshida has been labeled the team's most "underrated" player by NESN's Nat Gordon, a sentiment co-signed by analyst Lucy Burdge on "Boston Has Entered The Chat."

Despite a hefty $18.6 million salary and a role primarily off the bench, Yoshida's production has been impossible to ignore. In his limited opportunities, he's been a model of consistency and discipline, reaching base in half of his 24 plate appearances with a combination of eight walks, two singles, and two doubles.

The most eye-opening stat, however, is his raw power. Yoshida's average exit velocity of 97.3 mph is among the very best in the league, trailing only Jordan Walker for hitters with at least ten batted-ball events. This suggests that when he does connect, he's hitting the ball with serious authority, hinting at a significant power surge if given regular at-bats.

"Not underpaid, but maybe underrated," Gordon noted, highlighting the fascinating dichotomy of Yoshida's situation. "He's hitting the ball as hard as anyone in the league, and he's walking as much as anyone in the league."

With the 32-year-old Yoshida starting just five of Boston's first twelve games, the pressure is mounting on manager Alex Cora to find a more permanent spot in the lineup for the hot hand. As Gordon pointed out, when one player is excelling while the overall offense lags, you have to ride the momentum. Yoshida's blend of elite contact quality and plate discipline makes him one of the most intriguing and potentially impactful bats on the roster, and his story is one for Red Sox fans to watch closely as the season unfolds.