Blue Jays lack of power gives them obvious reason to pursue NPB star Teruaki Sato

It has been long rumored that the Hanshin Tigers of Nippon Professional Baseball will post Teruaki Sato this offseason. On Monday (Oct. 19) those rumors have been put to rest as they have agreed to post the 27-year-old who just capture the NPB Triple-Crown. Many teams, including the Blue Jays have been linked to Sato but there is a legitimate question about how exactly he would fit with the Blue Jays?

What fans should expect

Sato spent six seasons in the NPB, with the Tigers. During that time, he hit a combined .271/.337/.514 with 163 home runs, 518 RBI, and 42 stolen bases. The left-handed hitter also hit a career-high 40 home runs just last season and followed that up with another 39 in 2026. In 143 games, he slashed .306/.383/.609 with a career-best 196 wRC+.

Although Sato has put up impressive surface level stats, there are some signs of concern. Sato carries a 27.4% career strikeout rate, which could increase with the adjustment period hitters from Japan go through when playing in MLB. He does not draw a ton of walks either, with an 8.8% career walk rate which sits just below the MLB average.

Defensively, Sato started off his career in right field before switching over to third base where he primarily played this season. Despite winning a Golden Glove (NPB's Gold Glove) last season, there are questions surrounding his long term status at third. In 2024, he committed a career-worst 24 errors and after committing just six last season, he tied his second-worst errors in a season with 19 this past year.

How does Sato fit the Blue Jays?

Sato's bat would immediately give the Blue Jays lineup a boost considering they finished last in home runs (152) in 2026. His power would make him a threat at the top of the lineup, hitting in front or behind Guerrero.

Defensively, it currently is an awkward fit to slot in Sato. Third base is currently occupied by his countrymate Kazuma Okamoto and right field is expected to be filled in by a healthy Addison Barger with Nathan Lukes backing him up, both of whom also hit left-handed. There is an opening available in left field, where Sato has played one professional game in in his career.

Teruaki Sato's contract could fall somwhere between Kazuma Okamoto's and Munetaka Murakami's deals

What would a contract look like?

Sato is entering free agency at 27-years-old, which is younger than Okamoto (29), the same age as Tatsuya Imai, and older than Murakami (25). Okamoto signed for $15 million AAV (4-year, $60 million), Imai signed for $18 million AAV (3-year, $54 million), and Murakami signed for $17 million AAV (2-year, $34 million).

Given that Sato is considered a riskier player, it would not be surprising if he signs for at least 3 years with an AAV of $16 million.

This would not be the first time the Blue Jays pursued a hitter from Japan and they should lean on their experiences to sign another. The Blue Jays should utilize Okamoto in recruiting as the two already have experience playing with one another during the World Baseball Classic. If the Blue Jays can land Sato, that would further help them with developing stronger relationships with talent from Japan.

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