The Toronto Blue Jays are showing interest in Japanese star Teruaki Sato, sources told Mitch Bannon of The Athletic, viewing him as a potential corner outfielder.
Sato, who won the Nippon Professional Baseball Triple Crown, played third base for the Hanshin Tigers this year. However, the 27-year-old's also logged 262 games in the outfield over his career in Japan.
Toronto's currently projected to have Nathan Lukes, Brett Bateman, and Jonatan Clase in the outfield to start 2027.
The Blue Jays also "quite like" free-agent outfielder Seiya Suzuki, a source told Bannon. Saitama Seibu Lions right-hander Kaima Taira is reportedly another player the team is keeping tabs on.
Toronto landed Kazuma Okamoto last offseason on a four-year, $60-million contract for the club's first big splash in the Japanese market. He hit a team-leading 33 homers with 92 RBIs this year.
"I feel really good about Toronto as a destination for players from Japan," general manager Ross Atkins said at GM meetings. "We've worked very hard to understand the Pac Rim and Japan. We've spent a lot of time there."
The New York Yankees, New York Mets, Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres, and Philadelphia Phillies have also been connected to Sato throughout the offseason.
