Japanese slugger could be heading to MLB this offseason, according to a report by Jon Heyman of the New York Post. The 27-year-old Japanese star could make the move through Nippon Professional Baseball’s posting system.
Heyman highlighted the New York Mets’ scouting of Sato and their potential interest in bringing him to Queens. However, a move to the Mets could require Sato to transition from third base to first base. The Mets could expect Bo Bichette to exercise his option for next season and remain at third, potentially opening first base for Sato.
Sato’s potential position change would be similar to Munetaka Murakami’s situation. Murakami primarily played third base during his time in Japan but has since shifted to first base with the Chicago White Sox.
According to Baseball-Reference, Sato has appeared in 528 games at third base, 262 games in the outfield and just one game at second base during his NPB career.
The lefty-swinging Sato has turned into a superstar with NPB’s Hanshin Tigers, winning 2025 Central League MVP honors after mashing 40 home runs with 102 RBIs. He’s again crushing the ball in 2026, hitting 27 home runs on a 1.026 OPS in 103 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.
