Hanshin Tigers Agree To Post Teruaki Sato

The Hanshin Tigers have officially announced that reigning Central League MVP Teruaki Sato will be posted for Major League Baseball teams this offseason. Multiple MLB clubs have already shown interest in the 27-year-old infielder and outfielder. Sato won the Central League triple crown in 2026, hitting .306/.383/.609 with 39 home runs and 106 RBI across 614 plate appearances.

Sato will officially be posted after the conclusion of the NPB season, triggering a 45-day negotiating window to sign a permanent contract with an MLB franchise. An impending transaction freeze starting December 1 could impact his signing timeline, potentially forcing Sato to finalize a deal quickly or wait until the stoppage concludes to complete negotiations.