Phillies' Teruaki Sato Interest Features Surprising Twist

The Philadelphia Phillies absolutely need to add some offense this winter, which is why they have expressed some interest in Japanese slugger Teruaki Sato.

Sato is one of the top bats available in free agency, and while the Phillies have struggled to add Japanese stars in the past, they clearly want to make a push for the third baseman.

The catch, though, is that Philadelphia doesn't actually want to play him at the hot corner.

Todd Zolecki of MLB.com has reported that the Phillies actually view Sato as a right fielder, which comes on the heels of team president Dave Dombrowski saying he would prefer to see top prospect Aidan Miller open 2027 at third.

This would allow Philadelphia to get younger, which is a big part of what the team needs.

Sato is 27 years old, so he would represent a much more youthful option in the outfield than, say, Randy Arozarena or Seiya Suzuki. It should also be noted that Arozarena and Suzuki both received qualifying offers, complicating the Phillies' pursuit.

Sato actually began his career in the NPB as a right fielder, ultimately transitioning to third base on a full-time basis during his third season. He isn't good defensively regardless of where he plays, so Philadelphia would be adding him strictly for his bat.

Of course, there is considerable risk involved here.

Miller is entirely unproven and missed most of 2026 due to a back injury. Sato has also proven nothing as a major-league hitter.

A world exists in which Miller falls flat on his face next season and Sato just can't cut it in the MLB. Then, the Phils are back to square one offensively.

If Sato is the only bat the Phillies add this offseason, it would absolutely be a risky proposition and a boom-or-bust scenario.

Sato slashed .306/.383/.609 with 39 home runs and 106 RBI over 614 plate appearances for the Hanshin Tigers this past season. Two years ago, he smashed 40 homers.

He has absolutely shown the ability to hit in Japan. But whether or not his heavy swing-and-miss profile (163 and 164 strikeouts the last two seasons, respectively) will translate into the big leagues remains to be seen.

Philadelphia absolutely should make a push for Sato, because he could be terrific. But it should be looking to shore up its lineup with established veteran hitters, as well.

Whether or not the Phillies actually do that is the question.