Munetaka Murakami might have put Yankees pursuit of Teruaki Sato out of reach (and that’s a good thing)

Yanks Go Yard argues that Munetaka Murakami's strong MLB rookie campaign could drive up Teruaki Sato's price tag beyond what the New York Yankees should pay. While the Hanshin Tigers confirmed they will post the 27-year-old Japanese slugger, reporter Joel Sherman noted New York is unlikely to pursue Sato due to concerns regarding his defense at third base.

The writer believes avoiding an expensive bidding war for Sato benefits the Yankees due to high strikeout risks and defensive limitations. With Sato potentially profiling primarily as a first baseman or designated hitter, Yanks Go Yard contends he would create an unnecessary positional glut alongside left-handed hitters Ben Rice and Luis Garcia Jr.