Teruaki Sato, the star slugger of the Hanshin Tigers, is generating significant interest from Major League Baseball (MLB) teams, with the Mets, Yankees, Dodgers, and Phillies all reportedly in the running to sign him. Sato's impressive performance in the 2026 NPB season, where he's on pace for his best year yet, has made him a highly sought-after player in the international market. The report comes as no surprise, given the teams' history of pursuing top Japanese talent. The Dodgers, in particular, have established themselves as Japan's favorite MLB club, thanks to their recent signings of Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, along with Roki Sasaki. The Mets, too, made a significant move in the Japanese market by signing Kodai Senga, Masahiro Tanaka, and Hideki Matsui, who was a former World Series MVP. The Phillies, while yet to make a big-ticket signing from NPB, have increased their efforts in recent years, notably attempting to sign Yamamoto.
Sato's potential posting for MLB teams is complicated by the looming lockout, which could freeze the international posting market. Once posted, NPB players have 45 days to negotiate a deal with an MLB team, or they return to their Japanese club for the rest of the season. The lockout, set to begin on December 1, could disrupt this process. Despite this, Sato's representatives are optimistic, especially given his outstanding 2026 performance, which has likely increased his asking price. Sato has hit .314/.399/.614 with 27 homers over 446 plate appearances this season, surpassing even his 2025 numbers, when he won Central League MVP.
Sato's future position in the majors is a topic of debate. While he won a Golden Glove for his third base work in 2025, scouts question his ability to stick as a third baseman in MLB. First base might be his ultimate destination, and he has also played outfield with the Tigers. The Phillies seem to be the best fit position-wise, as Sato could slot in at either corner infield slot if Bryce Harper remains as a right fielder. The Mets could also have corner infield positions open if Bo Bichette opts out, but this is considered less likely. The Yankees, on the other hand, have Ben Rice as their regular first baseman, and Sato would likely replace Ryan McMahon at third base, who is owed $16MM in 2027. The Dodgers, despite their recent creative plays for top talent, might not be a clear fit for Sato's needs, given their current infield setup.
