Red Sox could add offense this offseason with Japanese Triple Crown winner

Conor Ryan of Boston.com suggests the Boston Red Sox could target Japanese Triple Crown winner Teruaki Sato to boost their offense this offseason. The 27-year-old former Hanshin Tigers slugger recently entered MLB's posting system and is available as a free agent through December 16. Sato recorded a .306/.383/.609 slash line with 39 home runs and 106 RBIs this past season in Nippon Professional Baseball.

Ryan notes that Boston struggled offensively in 2026, ranking 26th in home runs and suffering a quick playoff exit against the Yankees. While Sato primarily plays third base and corner outfield, Ryan proposes Boston could use him at designated hitter. However, concerns remain regarding Sato's 26.7 percent strikeout rate and a projected contract of around $25 million annually over four or five years.