Hanshin Tigers star Teruaki Sato is expected to join an MLB team this winter, and the New York Mets are reportedly interested in signing the infielder.
SportsNet New York posted to X on Wednesday, informing fans that president of baseball operations David Stearns recently visited Japan to watch Sato in action. Insider Chelsea Janes suggested this could be a clear sign of the Mets showing concrete interest in signing the slugger.
“Don’t rule out Teruaki Sato as a big addition. Stearns went to see him in Japan firsthand as soon as the Mets’ season ended. You don’t make that trip if you aren’t seriously considering making a push for him,” the post read.
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Several fans, however, did not agree.
“Zero chance this happens. Stearns would rather have Francisco Alvarez at first base,” a fan wrote.
“Stearns has gone to Japan over the past couple years to scout upcoming players that would become available. Not one offer was made,” another fan commented.
“We’ll see. Heard that one before,” another fan replied.
“Mets aren’t interested. They like him but he’s lefthanded. The lineup wouldn’t be balanced,” another fan responded.
“Na Stearns will pass and opt to give Austin Slater a 3 year contract to play first base,” another fan shared.
“I don’t believe it. David Stearns would pull Mo Vaughn out of retirement at a steep discount before investing meaningful money into the team,” another fan posted.
David Stearns and the New York Mets will have to move fast if they are to sign Teruaki Sato, as several other teams have also shown interest
While fans are still undecided on whether David Stearns and the New York Mets will ultimately decide to pull the trigger on signing Teruaki Sato, the race for his signature will likely come with stiff competition.
Several other big-market teams, such as the New York Yankees, LA Dodgers, and Philadelphia Phillies are all reportedly interested in acquiring Sato this winter, and it remains to be seen where the highly-rated infielder eventually ends up.
Edited by Raghav Mehta
