# Japanese star Teruaki Sato gets posted early in MLB free agency intrigue

> Japanese star Teruaki Sato enters MLB free agency after Hanshin Tigers post him.
- Title: Japanese star Teruaki Sato gets posted early in MLB free…
- Summary: Japanese star Teruaki Sato enters MLB free agency after Hanshin Tigers post him. Teruaki Sato, a 2026 NPB triple crown winner, is posted to MLB free agency…
- Keywords: teruaki sato, hanshin tigers, mlb, npb, triple crown, free agency, mlb lockout, news, entertainment, Japanese, star, Teruaki
- Source: New York Post — https://nypost.com/2026/10/19/sports/japanese-star-teruaki-sato-gets-posted-early-in-mlb-intrigue
- Published: 2026-10-19T16:35:06+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: teruaki sato, hanshin tigers, mlb, npb, triple crown, free agency, mlb lockout, news, entertainment
## Teruaki Sato posted to MLB
Japanese star Teruaki Sato, a 2026 NPB triple crown winner, is officially posted to MLB free agency.

> I am grateful to the team for respecting my wishes
## Sato's 2026 season
Sato won the triple crown with a .306/.383/.609 slash line, 39 homers, and 106 RBIs.
## Sato's career stats
Sato struck out at a 27 percent rate over two NPB campaigns, a rate below Munetaka Murakami's 28.8 percent.
## MLB interest in Sato
The Mets and Yankees are targeting Sato for first base, with the Phillies and Dodgers also expected to show interest.
## MLB lockout timeline
MLB's collective bargaining agreement expires December 1, giving teams a 45-day window to negotiate contracts.
## Key takeaway

Teruaki Sato, a 2026 NPB triple crown winner, is posted to MLB free agency with 45 days for contracts.