The Philadelphia Phillies are looking to get a jump on the upcoming free agency period this offseason. Based on a report originating from Japan, the team has dispatched several scouts and executives overseas to observe Teruaki Sato. The standout slugger is projected to be among the top hitters available from the Japanese market when winter arrives. Philadelphia’s level of interest in Sato appears so significant that general manager Preston Mattingly also made the journey.
During the previous offseason, Tatsuya Imai, Munetaka Murakami, and Kazuma Okamoto were all notable players who came over from Japan. However, the Phillies didn’t make a serious push for any of them. Murakami has become one of MLB’s premier power hitters since joining the Chicago White Sox. Philadelphia likely didn’t pursue him heavily because his position wasn’t a pressing need.
That said, they could have targeted Okamoto. The third baseman is performing quite well for the Toronto Blue Jays after signing a four-year, $60 million contract before the current season. At present, Alec Bohm remains Philadelphia’s regular third baseman in 2026. Bohm is currently hitting just .209/.264/.304 this season.
As noted in the same report, Mattingly and his scouts arrived unusually early to a game between Sato’s Hanshin Tigers and the Hiroshima Toyo Carp. The Phillies contingent wanted to observe the star slugger during pregame batting practice and see how he performed during the contest. “I wanted to see everything,” Mattingly said. “I wanted to witness firsthand how [Sato] interacts with his teammates, how he moves around the field, his defense, and how he uses his body in batting practice.”
Philadelphia Phillies Will Likely Have Room for Teruaki Sato Next Season
Sato ultimately went 0-for-4 in the May 15 game, as Hanshin was shut out for the first time this season. Despite that disappointing performance, the slugger has posted impressive numbers during the current campaign. He is now slashing .360/.440/.720 with 11 home runs and 32 RBIs in 41 games. In 2025, Sato recorded an eye-catching 40 home runs and 102 RBIs over 139 total games.
The power hitter has enough versatility to play three different positions. Still, he is most often used either at third base or in right field. Interestingly, the Philadelphia Phillies may soon need reinforcements at these very positions. Bohm and right fielder Adolis García are both set to become free agents after the 2026 season.
Japanese Star’s Idol Currently Plays for Philadelphia
However, Sato is not a perfect fit for the Phillies. As The Athletic’s Matt Gelb points out, the star batter hits from the left side. Philadelphia’s lineup is already left-handed heavy in fact, five of their nine regular starters are lefties. Both Bohm and García are among only four everyday right-handed hitters on the team.
Still, Philadelphia cannot continue to overlook the Japanese market. Like several other MLB clubs, the Phillies are probably regretting not being more aggressive with Murakami or Okamoto. And while they will face plenty of competition for Sato, they may have a secret advantage. The Japanese report claims that Sato’s baseball idol is current Philadelphia star Bryce Harper.
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