The Mets, Yankees, Dodgers and Phillies are among those to be linked to star Japanese slugger Teruaki Sato, according to a report from Jon Heyman of the New York Post on Aug. 14. Sato, 27, could come to MLB in the offseason through Nippon Professional Baseball’s posting system.
Heyman specifically pointed out the Mets’ scouting of and potential interest in Sato, adding that he may need to switch from third base to first base if he lands in Queens. The Mets may be expecting Bo Bichette to opt into his contract next season and man third base, leaving space only at first for Sato.
In further confirmation of the Mets' interest in Sato, New York president of baseball operations David Stearns was seen in attendance in Japan on Wednesday for the Hanshin Tigers' game against the Yakult Swallows. Sato hit his 32nd home run of the year in a loss. It is unclear if other MLB teams also had personnel in Japan to watch Sato.
Sato's potential move to MLB, and a move to first base, can be likened to that of now-White Sox star Munetaka Murakami, who primarily handled the hot corner in Japan but is now playing first base for the South Siders. Sato has played 544 games at third, 262 games in the outfield and one game at second base in his NPB career, according to Baseball-Reference.
The lefty-swinging Sato has turned into a superstar with Hanshin, winning 2025 Central League MVP honors after mashing 40 home runs with 102 RBIs. He’s again crushing the ball in 2026, hitting 32 home runs on a 1.022 OPS in 119 games. Sato has hit at least 20 home runs in five of his six NPB seasons.
The 2026 World Baseball Classic offered Sato a chance to show off his huge power on an international stage. In five games for Samurai Japan, he went 3-for-10 with a double and three walks, while he recorded three balls hit over 100 mph.