The Toronto Blue Jays have set their sights on Teruaki Sato this winter.
The Hanshin Tigers will put up the Japanese star for Main League Baseball groups. Sato will probably be a sought-after goal in free company.
Toronto signed third baseman Kazuma Okamoto final offseason. He led the Blue Jays with 33 dwelling runs and 92 RBIs in 2026.
Sato performs an analogous position as a power-hitting third baseman. He additionally performs the outfield. Thus, the curiosity from administration.
Now, Toronto has acquired the newest replace on Sato.
Teruaki Sato Has Profession Information Emerge
Sato is predicted to satisfy with MLB groups quickly. Sponichi Annex reported that he’ll journey to america in November.
The outlet additionally cited an MLB official who mentioned Sato may tour stadiums and staff amenities. The official expects Sato to intention for a contract in November.
Sankei Sports activities reported that Sato will use the journey to go to candidate groups and cities.
Hanshin plans to file Sato’s posting request Nov. 1, the primary day functions open. As soon as he’s posted, golf equipment have 45 days to barter with him. Sato reportedly requested to be posted early so he may signal earlier than a attainable lockout. The collective bargaining settlement expires Dec. 1.
Sato and Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki are each on Toronto’s radar. The 32-year-old hit .270/.368/.473 with 26 dwelling runs and 86 RBIs in 143 video games for the Cubs in 2026. He was Chicago’s on a regular basis proper fielder and is now a free agent after ending a five-year, $85 million contract.
Sato, 27, gained the Central League Triple Crown in 2026. He hit .306 with 39 dwelling runs and 106 RBIs. He’s the ninth participant in Nippon Skilled Baseball historical past to win a Triple Crown.
Suzuki is the safer guess due to his confirmed MLB report. Sato is new. However he’s greater than 4 years youthful and will supply greater upside.
The place Teruaki Sato Suits in Toronto’s Outfield?
Okamoto performs third base and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. performs first base. That leaves the outfield and designated hitter as Sato’s paths to taking part in time.
Sato has performed greater than 260 video games within the outfield in NPB. He additionally has proper area appearances for Japan on the 2026 World Baseball Basic.
Toronto will seemingly concentrate on including an influence bat to the outfield. The Blue Jays traded Daulton Varsho to the Houston Astros on the Aug. 3 deadline. Brett Bateman, Nathan Lukes, Addison Barger and Davis Schneider are among the many in-house choices.
The designated hitter spot can be unsettled. George Springer is now a free agent, in order that spot is open.
Anthony Santander, 32, is the in-house candidate for these at-bats. He signed a five-year, $92.5 million contract in January 2025 however has barely performed for the staff. He has missed enormous quantities of time to accidents.
A wholesome Santander at DH would open a nook outfield spot for Sato. The identical math applies to Suzuki, the Cubs’ on a regular basis proper fielder.
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