# Yankees Target Teruaki Sato for Third Base

> Yankees could sign Japanese star Teruaki Sato to fix third base weakness.
- Title: Yankees Target Teruaki Sato for Third Base | Shortify
- Summary: Yankees could sign Japanese star Teruaki Sato to fix third base weakness. Yankees should prioritize signing Teruaki Sato, a 27-year-old Japanese third…
- Keywords: yankees, teruaki sato, third base, npb, hanshin tigers, mlb, free agent market, aaron judge, sports, Target, Teruaki, Sato
- Source: New York Yankees On SI — https://si.com/mlb/yankees/onsi/why-yankees-should-make-teruaki-sato-one-of-their-offseason-priorities-01m5aer5mh0n
- Published: 2026-10-19T20:00:01+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: yankees, teruaki sato, third base, npb, hanshin tigers, mlb, free agent market, aaron judge, sports
## 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.
## Key takeaway

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.