Can MLB clubs land the Central League MVP? The Hanshin Tigers confirmed today that Teruaki Sato will be posted this offseason, a move long rumored as at least five teams already sniffed around the star.
For my money, Sato’s market value is sky‑high, reflected by Steve Adams ranking him second among free agents in September’s power list. The 27‑year‑old can handle third base and right field, and he’s been the top NPB hitter the past two seasons. Still, his defense is shaky, strikeout rates are high, and the jump to MLB always carries risk.
Despite those worries, Sato stands out in a thin free‑agent pool of power hitters. After solid power numbers in his first four years, he exploded in 2025‑26, earning MVP honors and likely repeating this year. In 2026 he captured the Central League triple crown with 39 homers, 106 RBI and a .306/.383/.609 slash line over 614 plate appearances.
The posting won’t happen until after the NPB season ends, with the Japan Series set to start Saturday between the Yokohama DeNA BayStars and the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks. Once posted, Sato has 45 days to sign; the Tigers will receive 20% of the first $25 million, 17.5% of the next $25 million, and 15% of any amount above $50 million. If no deal is reached, he returns for 2027.
Meanwhile, the looming lockout and a December 1 transaction freeze compress his window. If a contract isn’t signed before then, talks pause until the lockout ends, leaving only a few weeks of his posting period. Should the labor dispute linger, Sato could head back to the Tigers and wait until next winter for a North American move.