After getting swept during the ALDS, the Yankees should make an effort to improve their roster this offseason.
New York’s fanbase is starved for a championship, which means added pressure on general manager Brian Cashman. That could mean making a big splash during free agency.
One of New York’s potential additions this winter is Teruaki Sato, coming over from Japan. However, a recent report adds a new wrinkle to the slugger’s chances at joining the Yankees.
Teruaki Sato’s Big Decision This Offseason
Three players were posted by Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball on Sunday. Among those names, Teruaki Sato is the headliner. The five-time NPB All-Star is a fit for several clubs, and his market should be robust this offseason.
Unfortunately for Sato, a looming lockout ahead of the 2027 MLB season is creating uncertainty. Although they haven’t logged an inning in the majors, Japanese players are feeling it as well.
According to USA Today Sports, all three posted NPB players will need to sign by December 1st if there’s a lockout. That’s less than 30 days instead of the usual 45-day posting window.
The MLBPA asked for an extension on the posting window, which would allow players to sign after the lockout ends. This was the case following the 2021 lockout. Seiya Suzuki signed a five-year contract with the Cubs in March of 2021, just eight days after the league’s most recent work stoppage ended.
Major League Baseball declined the union’s request last week, giving Sato and his countrymen just under a month to sign.
Teruaki Sato’s Fit With the Yankees
Aaron Judge’s absence during the postseason exposed several weaknesses on this Yankees offense. If this group is going to win the World Series, another impact bat is needed in the Bronx.
On paper, Sato seems like an ideal fit. His bat is exceptional, putting up massive numbers overseas. Through six seasons with the NPB’s Hanshin Tigers, the 27-year-old slashed .271/.337/.514 with 163 home runs and 518 RBIs. Sato has clubbed a combined 79 long balls over his previous two seasons in Japan.
On the other side of the ball, there are some concerns. Sato played primarily third base in the NPB, but he’s projected as a below-average option at the position. An ability to play corner outfield eases some of those concerns, but this probably isn’t a boost for New York’s defense. Regardless, the Yankees might be willing to take a hit there if it means adding a big bat.
The latest news in regards to the posting window complicates those plans. New York’s front office is often content to let the winter play out, getting players at a lower cost as a result.
If the Yankees want Sato, they’ll have to act fast for a change. Rumors have linked big market clubs such as the Blue Jays, Dodgers and Phillies to the slugger as well, only adding to the competition.
Sato has the potential to add a unique mix of contact and power to any lineup. However, he won’t come cheap for the Yankees or any other club this offseason.
New Development in Yankees’ Pursuit of Free Agent Slugger