One of Japan’s biggest stars, and a top free agent target this winter, is a step closer to the major leagues.
Third baseman Teruaki Sato, coming off a historic season with Nippon Professional Baseball’s Hanshin Tigers, will officially be posted, giving MLB teams a 45-day window to negotiate a contract with him, according to Japanese outlet Sponichi Annex.
Tigers general manager Satoshi Shimamura confirmed the club’s intention to make Sato available via the posting system, giving him time to ink a contract before the looming MLB lockout.
“I am grateful to the team for respecting my wishes,” Sato said in a statement. “I truly enjoyed the days I spent with my teammates while playing for the Tigers, and I am sincerely grateful for the warm support from the fans. I ask for your continued support.”
Sato is expected to travel to the United States in November to meet with interested teams, per Yahoo Japan.
The 27-year-old slashed an outstanding .306/.383/.609 with 39 homers and 106 RBIs, becoming the ninth player in NPB history to win the triple crown.
Sato became the first player since now-White Sox star Munetaka Murakami (2022) to secure NPB’s triple crown honors, Hanshin’s first Japanese-born to win the award and the first Tigers player since Randy Bass (1986).
The 6-foot-1, 207-pound Sato’s incredible campaign followed a 2025 in which he hit 40 home runs and 102 RBIs en route to Central League MVP honors.
Primarily a third baseman, Sato — who made an appearance in right field during the 2026 World Baseball Classic with Samurai Japan — could also follow Murakami in shifting full-time to first base.
While the left-handed swinging Sato is expected to command league-wide interest, he will be a prominent target for both New York teams.
The Post’s Jon Heyman reported in August that the Mets are interested in Sato as a first base target in the wake of Pete Alonso’s departure and disappointing production from the position in 2026.
After another early playoff exit, in part due to a sputtering offense, Sato’s left-handed stroke also makes him an intriguing target for the Yankees at the hot corner.
The Phillies and Dodgers are also expected to have interest in Sato, per Heyman.
As the MLB Players Association negotiates a new collective bargaining agreement, Sato and thousands of other players will enter the offseason in a state of flux.
MLB’s collective bargaining agreement will expire Dec. 1 at 11:59 p.m., casting doubt on how aggressive teams will be in signing free agents before the expected lockout.
