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Ex-MLB GM thinks Red Sox’s Teruaki Sato pursuit could face worst possible threat

The Boston Red Sox might have to bid against the New York Yankees as their biggest competition for free agent slugger Teruaki Sato, per insider.

By Katie Manganelli · BoSox Injection

Published: Wednesday, 28 October 2026 at 2:10 PM

Key Things to Know

Former MLB GM Jim Bowden named the Yankees and Red Sox as top fits for free agent Teruaki Sato.
Bowden projects Sato could secure a five-year, $130 million permanent free agent contract.
The Hanshin Tigers agreed to post Sato after he won the NPB Triple Crown and MVP in 2026.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Former MLB general manager Jim Bowden identified the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees as the top potential suitors for Japanese slugger Teruaki Sato. The Hanshin Tigers agreed to post Sato to MLB after a 2026 season where he won the NPB Triple Crown and MVP award. Bowden projects Sato could seek a five-year, $130 million permanent contract in free agency.

BoSox Injection writer Katie Manganelli argues that competing against the Yankees presents a major threat to Boston's chances of signing Sato. Manganelli notes that the Red Sox have existing luxury tax commitments, roster logjams at first and third base, and a recent reluctance to enter aggressive bidding wars against New York.

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Ex-MLB GM thinks Red Sox’s Teruaki Sato pursuit could face worst possible threat

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