Teruaki Sato linked to New York Yankees and Mets

Several Major League Baseball teams, including the New York Yankees, New York Mets, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Philadelphia Phillies, are reportedly interested in Japanese infielder Teruaki Sato. The 27-year-old star from the Hanshin Tigers of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) could arrive in MLB during the upcoming offseason.

Sato was named the 2025 NPB Central League MVP after recording 40 home runs and 102 RBIs. He has continued his strong performance in 2026, maintaining a high batting average and significant power. While primarily a third baseman in Japan, scouts suggest he may transition to first base in the MLB to accommodate his offensive profile.

For the Yankees, acquiring Sato would represent their first major Japanese player signing since Masahiro Tanaka in 2014. For the Mets, interest involves scouting his potential to bolster the lineup, potentially shifting him to first base depending on roster movements.