The Boston Red Sox are exceeding expectations this season and currently hold the third Wild Card spot in the American League.
They currently sit at 18-14 and have won five consecutive games.
A big reason for their success is one of their offseason acquisitions.
Boston signed Japanese star Masataka Yoshida to a five-year deal over the winter.
So far, the Japanese slugger is swinging a hot bat.
Yoshida is currently riding a 12-game hitting streak.
During the hit streak, Yoshida has posted a batting average of .435.
He also has hit four home runs and driven in 13 runs.
On Twitter, MLB Network posted a graphic to show just how hot he is at the moment.
The @RedSox rookie sensation is cruising! ♨️ pic.twitter.com/B05tByb2Cx
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) May 3, 2023
The Red Sox dealt with some significant losses this offseason.
They lost Xander Bogaerts, J.D. Martinez, Michael Wacha, and Nathan Eovaldi in free agency.
To make matters worse, they are also without Trevor Story.
However, Yoshida has been on a tear as of late and is helping fans forget about their departed stars.
The 29-year-old had a strong performance in the World Baseball Classic back in March and is now one of the team’s hottest hitters.
For the season, the slugger is hitting .303 with five home runs and 21 RBI.
He has also stolen two bases and posted an OPS of .906 in 99 at-bats.
Yoshida is helping the Red Sox exceed their preseason expectations after a disappointing 2022 season and offseason losses.
He and the Red Sox will wrap up their four-game series with the Toronto Blue Jays on Thursday night.
NEXT: Red Sox Rank High In Several Key Offensive Categories
