Sports · Baseball · 2 hrs ago
Hanshin Tigers to post Triple Crown winner Teruaki Sato for MLB teams
Hanshin Tigers will make Teruaki Sato available to MLB teams through Japan's posting system this offseason.
The 27-year-old third baseman won the Central League's Triple Crown with 39 home runs, 106 RBIs and a .306 average.
The award means he led the league in those three categories in 2026.
Sato was also the league's MVP last year and helped Hanshin win the Japan Series in 2023.
His power makes him a major target, though scouts question his strikeouts and whether he can stay at third base.
MLB teams can pursue him this offseason, but no team or deal has been announced.
The Hanshin Tigers will post third baseman Teruaki Sato for Major League Baseball teams this offseason.
Sato won the Central League Triple Crown in 2026, hitting 39 home runs, driving in 106 runs and batting .306.
The Tigers said they approved Sato’s request to pursue a move to MLB through the posting system.
The 27-year-old was the Central League’s MVP in 2025 and helped Hanshin win the Japan Series in 2023.
- Who
- Teruaki Sato, third baseman for the Hanshin Tigers.
- What
- The Tigers will post Sato so he can pursue a move to Major League Baseball.
- When
- This offseason, following the 2026 season.
- Where
- Hanshin, Japan; Sato is seeking a move to Major League Baseball.
- Why
- Sato wants to pursue a move to MLB, and the Tigers approved his request.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Sato hit 24 home runs in his rookie season, setting a Hanshin franchise record for a first-year player.
Sato contributed to the Tigers winning their first Japan Series title in 38 years.
Sato was named Central League MVP after leading the league in home runs and RBIs.
Sato won the Central League Triple Crown, and the Tigers clinched the pennant before losing to the DeNA BayStars in the Climax Series.
The Tigers announced they would post Sato for MLB teams this offseason.
- Team
- Hanshin Tigers
- Player
- Teruaki Sato
- 2026 home runs
- 39
- 2026 RBIs
- 106
- 2026 batting average
- .306
- Posting plan
- MLB teams this offseason
4 sources
Will soon-to-be-posted Japanese star Taruaki Sato be on the Red Sox’ radar?
NPB star Teruaki Sato to be posted to MLB: What to know about Triple Crown winner, plus possible landing spots
Baseball: Hanshin's Triple Crown winner Sato to be posted for MLB move
What people are saying
I am grateful to the team for respecting my wishes.
He has been with us for six years, contributing to three league titles,
He delivered an especially outstanding performance this year.