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ARLINGTON, Texas — The Texas Rangers have interest in Teruaki Sato, the Japanese slugger who won the Central League Triple Crown this season, Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon of The Athletic reported Thursday.
The report cited people briefed on Texas’ extensive background work on the 27-year-old Hanshin Tigers star. It also said his price could end up beyond what the Rangers are comfortable spending.
Chris Young Plans Flat Texas Rangers Payroll In 2027
The Rangers spent about $190 million in cash on their 2026 roster, according to The Athletic’s Tuesday report. They won 80 games, lost 82, and missed the postseason again. Chris Young, their president of baseball operations, has said the club is planning on the same payroll for 2027.
“I don’t think we are in a spot where we have to move anybody,” Young said earlier this month.
Adding Sato almost certainly would require moving one of the club’s high-salaried players, according to Thursday’s report. Texas already planned to explore trading Corey Seager at this week’s general managers’ meetings in Las Vegas. At the 2026 trade deadline, Jacob deGrom used his no-trade clause to block a deal with the Atlanta Braves.
Hanshin Tigers Posted Teruaki Sato After Triple Crown Season
Sato hit .306/.383/.609 with 39 home runs and 106 RBI in 143 games for Hanshin. He is the ninth Triple Crown winner in Nippon Professional Baseball history, a year after he hit 40 homers and was named Central League MVP. The left-handed hitter has played third base and the outfield.
The Tigers were eliminated in the Climax Series final stage Oct. 17. Two days later, general manager Satoshi Shimamura announced at the club’s headquarters in Nishinomiya that Hanshin would post Sato.
“He has been with us for six years, contributing to three league titles,” Shimamura said, according to Kyodo News. “He delivered an especially outstanding performance this year.”
Sato first raised the idea of playing in MLB after the 2024 season, Shimamura said. Hanshin released a statement from Sato on Oct. 19.
“I am grateful to the team for respecting my wishes,” Sato said.
Hanshin posted Sato on Nov. 1, and MLB clubs have a 45-day window to negotiate with him. The team that signs him also owes the Tigers a release fee based on the size of his contract.
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