Why Blue Jays should aggressively pursue slugger Teruaki Sato

Hanshin Tigers right fielder Teruaki Sato. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Why Blue Jays should aggressively pursue slugger Teruaki Sato

By Vanessa Serrao | Last updated Nov 14, 2026 5:03 PM ET

The Toronto Blue Jays should be aggressive in pursuing Hanshin Tigers slugger Teruaki Sato, as he would perfectly address their most glaring roster need while also aligning with their strategy to target elite Japanese talent.

The Blue Jays have already expressed interest in Chicago Cubs free agent slugger Seiya Suzuki, who played with Kazuma Okamoto in the World Baseball Classic for Japan this past season. Having another Japanese slugger on the roster would certainly make their lineup more lethal.

Okamoto led the team in home runs (33) in his stellar rookie campaign. He also finished seventh in the Rookie of the Year voting.

The Blue Jays could recruit more high-profile Japanese talent in their clubhouse to gain a more competitive edge following their poor 2026 finish after their historic 2025 playoff run.

The Jays have interest in 2025 Central League MVP Teruaki Sato, per Mitch Bannon. https://t.co/rPaS7W5VWS
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) November 14, 2026

Blue Jays landing Teruaki Sato would be a match made in heaven

Toronto ranked dead last in runs scored (648) and home runs (152) in 2026, following a power drought from Vladimir Guerrero Jr. While fans are expecting a comeback performance from Guerrero, Sato would help insert more raw power into their lineup.

Sato is coming off an elite 2026 campaign where he won the Central League Triple crown. The Japanese slugger slashed .306/.383/.609 while crushing 39 home runs and 106 RBI. That followed his 40-home run campaign in 2025.

While Sato's primary position is first base, he has extensive experience as a corner outfielder and can also slot in as a designated hitter (DH). The Blue Jays are already showing this offseason that they are willing to spend big money to get star players as they are pursuing ace starting pitcher Tarik Skubal, Ketel Marte and several other compelling free agents.

Vanessa Serrao

Serrao is a freelance baseball writer who has covered all MLB teams, with particular expertise on the Toronto Blue Jays. She is a member of the Internet Baseball Writers Association of America.

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