Brief

Japanese star Teruaki Sato posted for MLB free‑agency negotiations

The 27‑year‑old triple‑crown winner will be available to MLB teams as the posting window opens.

By Felo News Desk · Published Tue, 20 Oct 2026 01:29:06 GMT

Hanshin Tigers third baseman Teruaki Sato will be posted, opening a 45‑day window for Major League Baseball clubs to negotiate a contract, according to Japanese outlet Sponichi Annex and confirmed by Tigers general manager Satoshi Shimamura.

Sato, 27, finished the 2026 NPB season with a historic .306/.383/.609 slash line, 39 home runs and 106 RBIs, becoming the ninth player in league history to win the triple crown and the first Hanshin player since Randy Bass in 1986 to do so. He also posted a .306 batting average, 383 on‑base percentage and 609 slugging percentage, matching the triple‑crown criteria.

The posting comes ahead of the looming MLB lockout, giving Sato time to sign before the collective bargaining agreement expires on Dec. 1. He is expected to travel to the United States in November to meet with interested teams, per Yahoo Japan.

MLB interest includes both New York clubs. The Post’s Jon Heyman reported that the Mets view Sato as a potential first‑base option after Pete Alonso’s departure, while the Yankees see him as an attractive third‑base target. The Phillies and Dodgers have also been mentioned as suitors.

Sato expressed gratitude to the Tigers and fans in a statement, saying, “I am grateful to the team for respecting my wishes… I ask for your continued support.”

Key facts

Teruaki Sato will be posted, giving MLB teams a 45‑day negotiation window. (nypost.com)
Sato posted a .306/.383/.609 line with 39 homers and 106 RBIs in 2026. (nypost.com)
He became the ninth NPB player to win the triple crown and the first Hanshin player since 1986. (nypost.com)
Sato is expected to travel to the United States in November to meet MLB teams. (nypost.com)
Both the New York Mets and Yankees have expressed interest, according to Jon Heyman. (nypost.com)