Japanese slugger Teruaki Sato to be posted this offseason

The Hanshin Tigers have approved a posting request for star slugger Teruaki Sato, according to Japanese reports Monday, putting another top Japanese power bat on the radar for MLB teams this offseason. The 27-year-old won Japan’s Triple Crown last season, hitting .306 with 39 home runs and 106 RBIs. Left-handed and listed as a third baseman/outfielder, Sato could also fit at first base. He logged 125 games at third and 18 in the outfield for Hanshin. Under NPB’s system, MLB clubs have 45 days to negotiate after a Nov. 1–Dec. 5 posting window; without an agreement, he returns to NPB.