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Cora impressed by Yoshida's WBC performance: 'He's got swag'

Megan Briggs / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora was left quite impressed by the performance outfielder Masataka Yoshida put on during Japan's championship run at the World Baseball Classic.

"Style, man. He's got swag," Cora said Wednesday, according to Alex Speier of the Boston Globe.

Yoshida was an integral presence in Japan's lineup. The 29-year-old set the all-time WBC record with 13 RBIs and hit a game-tying, three-run home run in Japan's semifinals victory over Mexico.

Cora was also struck by Yoshida's approach at the plate during the tournament, reinforcing his confidence that his skill set will translate well to MLB pitching.

"Everybody's pretty sure he's going to hit at this level," Cora said, per Speier.

Yoshida is expected to begin the season as the cleanup hitter in Boston's lineup. The Red Sox signed the Japanese star to a five-year, $90-million contract in December.

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