Hanshin Tigers Approve Posting of Triple Crown Slugger Teruaki Sato

As first reported by MLB, the Hanshin Tigers of Nippon Professional Baseball have announced the posting of superstar infielder Teruaki Sato to MLB for the upcoming offseason. The 28-year-old lefty-swinging slugger enters the market as a primary target for clubs seeking high-end offensive production.

Sato's stock is bolstered by a massive 2026 season in which he won the Central League Triple Crown, posting a .306 average with 106 RBIs and 39 home runs. This performance puts him in contention for his second straight Central League MVP Award, following a 2025 season where he hit 40 home runs with a .924 OPS and earned a Golden Glove for his defense at third base, according to MLB.

Under the posting rules, a 45-day window will be open for all 30 MLB teams to negotiate a contract. Because Sato is over 25, there are no restrictions on the deal he signs, though Hanshin will receive a release fee based on the final contract value. MLB Network insider Jon Heyman has already linked the Dodgers, Phillies, Yankees, and Mets to the star.

While Sato is primarily a third baseman, MLB notes that some teams may consider moving him to first base—similar to the Chicago White Sox's approach with Munetaka Murakami—or utilizing his experience in 262 NPB outfield games, per Baseball-Reference. Sato arrives with a proven track record of durability, having played at least 120 games in every year of his six-year NPB career, and experience on the global stage with Samurai Japan in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.