Tigers Rumors: Teruaki Sato might be more than a pipe dream after scouting update

A handful of free agents joined the fray earlier this month, when NPB stars Teruaki Sato, Kaima Taira, and Hitomi Itoh, among others, were officially posted. Sato — the Hanshin Tigers' five-time NPB All-Star, MVP in 2025, and Triple Crown winner in 2026 — headlines the group. National outlets have ranked him anywhere from top-10 to even top-2 in this year's relatively weak free agent class, but the bottom line is that he'll be in demand.

However, it's getting harder and harder to truly ascertain Japanese players' markets in MLB. Munetaka Murakami went to the White Sox for a song, but Yoshinobu Yamamoto holds the largest ever contract by total value for a pitcher. It's clear there's real talent in Japan, but as more teams extend their scouting to Asia, doubts about how well certain skillsets will translate arise.

All of this is to say that many teams will be interested in Sato, but he could end being more affordable than fans might think.

He's a very good fit for the (Detroit) Tigers. He's a third baseman and outfielder who could replace Matt Vierling in both capacities, and he has pop, having hit an average of 28 home runs per season in NPB, with 40 and 39 in his last two.

But is hoping the Tigers make a move on Sato just wishful thinking? Maybe not.

Evan Petzold confirmed the Tigers have scouted Sato — and he might not be the only Japanese player Detroit could have an eye on this offseason.

Former Tigers insider reveals Detroit scouted Teruaki Sato, had interest in Shota Imanaga

Having scouted a player doesn't guarantee being involved in their market, but the point is that the Tigers were there, and that's enough to give fans something to hold onto. (It might also explain Sato being spotted in Tigers gear earlier this year).

Petzold also revealed that the Tigers had eyes on Shota Imanaga when he was making the transition to MLB in the 2023-24 offseason. A lot has changed since then, and Imanaga has failed to impress quite as much as he did in his rookie season, but that too could work to the Tigers' advantage now that he's a free agent again.

If fans had to make Scott Harris a list of priorities from Detroit's offseason, it'd probably go something like 1) bullpen help, 2) a power bat, and 3) another starting pitcher. Sato and Imanaga could settle up the majority of that list themselves, while also increasing the Tigers' reach in a market they have yet to really tap into.

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