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Hanshin Posts Teruaki Sato for MLB, Triple Crown Winner

By Drooid · Oct 19, 2026, 10:29 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

The Hanshin Tigers posted third baseman Teruaki Sato, making him available to MLB teams.
Sato posted a .306/.383/.609 line with 39 homers and 106 RBIs in 143 games.
He captured the Central League Triple Crown and is likely to win a second MVP award.
Posting approved Oct. 19, 2026 creates a 45-day window before the Dec. 1 lockout.
Analysts project a six-year, $120 million contract as MLB teams show interest.

History

Historical Context

In 1995 Hideo Nomo used a contractual loophole to leave the Kintetsu Buffaloes and sign with the Los Angeles Dodgers, becoming the first Japanese player to permanently move to MLB and sparking “Nomomania.” His impact prompted NPB and MLB to adopt a formal posting system in the late 1990s. On Oct 19 2026 the Hanshin Tigers posted third baseman Teruaki Sato, offering a .306/.383/.609 hitter to MLB.

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Story summary

The Hanshin Tigers posted third baseman Teruaki Sato, making him available to MLB teams.
Sato posted a .306/.383/.609 line with 39 homers and 106 RBIs in 143 games.
He captured the Central League Triple Crown and is likely to win a second MVP award.
Posting approved Oct. 19, 2026 creates a 45-day window before the Dec. 1 lockout.
Analysts project a six-year, $120 million contract as MLB teams show interest.

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