From New York Yankees On SI · · 1m 50s
Yankees Target Teruaki Sato for Third Base
Yankees could sign Japanese star Teruaki Sato to fix third base weakness.
In brief
Yankees could sign Japanese star Teruaki Sato to fix third base weakness. Yankees should prioritize signing Teruaki Sato, a 27-year-old Japanese third baseman with a .306 batting average and 39 home runs, to address their third base needs this offseason. Originally reported by New York Yankees On SI.
Yankees' third base need
The Yankees have a glaring need to upgrade at third base this offseason.
Ryan McMahon unsuitable
Ryan McMahon's bat has been a disaster, defense poor, and he'll earn $16 million next season.
Yankees' third base options
Yankees could use Jose Caballero or Anthony Volpe but both have issues.
Isaac Paredes uncertain
The Yankees might trade for Isaac Paredes but Astros unlikely to trade him.
Thin free agent market
The free agent market for third base is very thin with Alec Bohm as best option.
Teruaki Sato posted
Hanshin Tigers posted Teruaki Sato during winter for the Yankees to consider.
Sato's stats
Sato, 27, won Central League Triple Crown with .306 average, 39 home runs, 106 RBI.
Sato's improvement
Sato's OPS climbed from .749 in 2021 to .837 in 2023 with a .924 OPS in 2025.
Sato's fielding concerns
Sato has a .937 fielding percentage with 18 errors despite winning a Golden Glove.
Sato's plate discipline
Sato's strikeout rate will likely climb in MLB but he drew 68 walks this season.
Munetaka Murakami example
Munetaka Murakami struck out at 35.4% but remained productive with 16.6% walks.
Sato's potential value
Sato could counterbalance strikeout tendency with on-base skills and power for Yankees.
Competition for Sato
Yankees face competition from Dodgers and Mets for Sato's services.
Yankees' World Series goal
Yankees need strong roster to win World Series in Aaron Judge era.
The essence
Yankees should prioritize signing Teruaki Sato, a 27-year-old Japanese third baseman with a .306 batting average and 39 home runs, to address their third base needs this offseason.
