Yankees rumors: New York could solve infield uncertainty by signing star player from Japan

The New York Yankees’ search for upgrades as they look toward a return to the World Series since 2024 has put third base back in focus. Despite beating the Boston Red Sox in the AL Wild Card series for a second straight year, New York fell short in the ALDS again—losing to the Toronto Blue Jays in 2025 and then being swept by the Tampa Bay Rays this fall. The article points to 2025 trade-deadline acquisition Ryan McMahon, saying he has not secured the hot corner. MLB insider Ken Rosenthal, speaking on Foul Territory, said the Yankees could pursue Japanese third baseman Teruaki Sato this winter. Rosenthal noted New York has had success with Japanese stars before, including Hideki Matsui and Masahiro Tanaka, and that Sato could be an MVP-level fit.