The Blue Jays view Teruaki Sato as a potential corner outfielder, according to The Athletic's Mitch Bannon. That solves a positional puzzle some insiders had raised.

Sato played third base for the Hanshin Tigers this year while winning NPB's Triple Crown. But he's also logged 262 games in the outfield over his career in Japan.

That matters because Kazuma Okamoto owns third base in Toronto, and a corner outfield role avoids any conflict.

Steve Phillips had argued there was no natural home for Sato in Toronto. Bannon's reporting suggests the Jays see it differently.

Toronto's current outfield projection is thin, with Nathan Lukes, Brett Bateman and Jonatan Clase penciled in to start 2027.

Is he the only target? Not even close.

Seiya Suzuki and Kaima Taira are also on the Blue Jays' Japan radar

A source told Bannon the Jays “quite like” Seiya Suzuki. They're also keeping tabs on Seibu Lions right-hander Kaima Taira.

Okamoto's success makes the pitch easier. He hit a team-leading 33 homers with 92 RBIs after signing a four-year, $60 million deal.

“I feel really good about Toronto as a destination for players from Japan,” Ross Atkins said at the GM meetings.

“We've worked very hard to understand the Pac Rim and Japan. We've spent a lot of time there,” Atkins added.

The competition is heavy. The Yankees, Mets, Dodgers, Padres and Phillies have all been linked to Sato.

Sato in left field is the right plan. A Triple Crown bat with outfield experience beats waiting on Anthony Santander, and pairing him with Okamoto would give Toronto a real Japanese core.

Okamoto is like the first friend who moves to a new city and loves it. Every call home makes the next person more likely to follow.

With the lockout effectively closing his posting window Dec. 1, the clock is ticking. If Atkins wants him, the Jays need to turn interest into an offer fast.