The Yankees are being urged to sign Teruaki Sato, and that's bad news for the Blue Jays. The Japanese slugger is one of Toronto's top offseason targets.

SI's Jonna Perlinger made the case, calling Sato “one of their most intriguing options” for a significant offensive upgrade.

The 27-year-old is coming off a Central League Triple Crown with the Hanshin Tigers. He hit .306 with 39 homers.

New York's need is obvious. Third base has been a revolving door, with Ryan McMahon, Amed Rosario and Jose Caballero all failing to lock it down.

SNY's Phillip Martinez called McMahon “the biggest disappointment.” SI's Joe Najarian added that Brian Cashman needs to “get creative.”

Why should Toronto care? Because the Jays want Sato, too.

Teruaki Sato could become an AL East tug-of-war

Ross Atkins has said the front office will focus on the Japanese free-agent market. Sato and Seiya Suzuki look like the main objectives.

The clock is tight. With the CBA expiring Dec. 1, Sato effectively has about 30 days to sign before likely heading back to NPB.

Sato would fit differently in each city. Aaron Boone's Yankees would put him at third, while Toronto would likely use him in a corner outfield spot with Kazuma Okamoto entrenched at third.

There are concerns. He has a high swing-and-miss rate, which could make the adjustment tougher.

Toronto can't let the Yankees outbid them here. Losing Sato would hurt, but losing him to a division rival the Jays face all season would be a disaster.

It's like watching your neighbour buy the house you were saving for, then having to drive past it every morning on the way to work.

The Jays have one edge. They've built strong relationships in Japan and Korea in recent years, and that network could matter in a short, frantic window.

Sato may decide this winter's AL East power balance. If Atkins wants him, Toronto needs to move before Yankee Stadium's short porch sells itself.