The Boston Red Sox introduced Japanese outfielder Masataka Yoshida at a press conference Thursday after signing him to a five-year, $90 million contract.
The 29-year-old left-handed hitter will don the No. 7 jersey for the Red Sox, who believe he can help them return to the playoffs after finishing last in the American League East this year.
While Yoshida admittedly speaks limited English, he used it for his initial introduction before turning to an interpreter for the main portion of the press conference.
"I'm honored to be with Red Sox Nation," the former Orix Buffaloes star said. "I'll do my best."
Yoshida has been touted as a potential leadoff hitter in Boston after batting .335 with 21 home runs and 88 RBIs in 119 games for the Japan Series champion Buffaloes this year. He led the Pacific League with a .447 on-base percentage and struck out just 41 times.
