Teruaki Sato could be the Blue Jays' path back to October. He ranked Toronto among the top landing spots for the NPB Triple Crown winner.

There are alternatives but Sato is still the best option. Randy Arozarena "will already be 32 by Opening Day," he wrote, while Steven Kwan "does nothing to solve the problem Toronto had with slugging."

His vision is simple. Sign him to DH and let him "perhaps occasionally man a corner outfield spot."

Miller technically ranked the Mets ahead of Toronto. But New York's path seems to hinge on Bo Bichette opting out, and Bichette is widely expected to stay.

The price will be steep. Bleacher Report's Joel Reuter projected a six-year, $120 million deal, the third-biggest contract of the winter.

Toronto can afford it. George Springer, Shane Bieber and Max Scherzer combined to earn $45 million in 2026, and all three are headed to free agency.

Kazuma Okamoto's rookie year strengthens the Teruaki Sato case

The Okamoto precedent helps. The Japanese slugger led the Jays in practically every offensive category in his first season.

Sato is the reigning Central League MVP. He also won the Triple Crown, the first Hanshin Tiger to do it since Randy Bass in 1986.

Sportsnet's Ben Nicholson-Smith reported Toronto will explore the Asian market this winter. Japanese pitcher Kaima Taira is also on the club's radar.

The competition will be fierce. Along with the Mets, the Yankees and Dodgers are expected to join the chase.

Is that price too much for a hitter who has never faced MLB pitching? It's a risk, but power like his is rare, and the Jays finished last in the majors in homers.

Pay it, but don't stop there. Sato swings left-handed, and Toronto still needs a right-handed bat to balance a lineup that struggled badly against southpaws.

Sato is the headline act. A good festival still needs a strong second stage.

The Jays have the money, the Okamoto connection and the need. If they lose him to a New York team, Ross Atkins will have a hard time explaining why.