Teruaki Sato is one step closer to MLB, and the Blue Jays are already on record with early interest. The Hanshin Tigers are expected to approve his posting request.

Japanese media reported Sunday that "positive discussions" are underway between Sato and Hanshin, per Yakyu Cosmopolitan.

Sportsnet's Ben Nicholson-Smith reported in September that Toronto had early interest. The question, he wrote, is "how serious that interest becomes and to what extent it's reciprocated."

The numbers explain the buzz. The 27-year-old hit .315 with 37 home runs in 136 games this season.

His 1.012 OPS was a career best, a year after he slugged 40 homers.

He also played in the World Baseball Classic this spring, going 3-for-10 with all three hits going for doubles.

Mark Shapiro's Japan push makes Teruaki Sato a natural target

The club's intent is clear. Mark Shapiro said Sept. 30 that the Jays will send a contingent to Japan this offseason and that he may travel there himself.

Sato has played mostly third base, with experience in the corner outfield. With Kazuma Okamoto at third, right field looks like the natural landing spot.

Is he the right fit? The power is undeniable, but two things deserve a hard look.

First, the strikeouts. He fanned 156 times this season, after 163 last year, against pitchers without MLB-level stuff.

Second, he swings left-handed. Toronto's lefty bats ranked fourth-worst in wRC+ against southpaws in 2026, so he wouldn't fix that particular problem.

Chase him anyway. Triple Crown power doesn't come around often, and Toronto can still find a right-handed bat to balance the lineup.

He's a home-run hitter who comes with a swing-and-miss tax. Some players are worth paying it.

The adjustment question is real. It followed Munetaka Murakami to Chicago this year, and it will follow Sato, too.

Okamoto already showed Toronto can land a Japanese star. If Sato gets posted, the Jays have their best shot yet at going two-for-two, with a recruiter in their own clubhouse to help close.