Mariners Rumors: Link to Teruaki Sato goes against expectations in the best way

The Mariners have long been on the lookout for quality Japanese players, thanks to the resounding impact Ichiro Suzuki had on the way to the Hall of Fame. As a result, the likes of Hisashi Iwakuma and Yusei Kikucho have similarly come to Seattle to ply their trade and had some success with All-Star honors. Now, Teruaki Sato is the latest Japanese star headed to MLB, and the M's are apparently among the teams interested in signing him.

As reported by Max Ralph of MLB.com and multiple other media outlets on Monday, the Hanshin Tigers of NPB have announced their approval to post Sato to the majors this offseason. Almost immediately, he has become arguably the best free-agent hitter available on the open market. And according to reputable and mainstream Japanese daily sports newspaper Sports Hochi, the Mariners are one of seven MLB teams with interest in the 27-year-old.

It's encouraging to see the Mariners listed as a possible candidate for Sato, given all that he's achieved in Japan. He's coming off the best season of his career, winning his first Triple Crown and putting himself in position for a second consecutive Central League MVP Award. He's also a five-time NPB All-Star who has won the Japanese equivalent of the World Series, in 2023 with the Tigers.

SoDo Mojo's Zachary Rymer is not convinced that the Mariners will sign Sato, with too many obstacles to overcome including the likely cost being outside their comfort zone as a mid-range payroll team. And in fairness, it certainly doesn't help when you've got big spenders like the Dodgers, Yankees, Mets, Phillies and Blue Jays all involved. However, where there might be an opening for the Mariners, is in respect of the uncertainty surrounding his defensive position.

The Mariners' chances of signing Teruaki Sato can effectively improve by way of subtraction

Sato has mostly been a third baseman during his NPB career and won a Gold Glove at the position in 2023. However, according to Joel Sherman of the New York Post, the overriding sentiment is that the Japanese star likely won't stick at the hot corner in the majors. In this scenario Sherman believes it makes him a tougher signing for the Yankees, which could conceivably also prove to be a detriment to some of the other interested teams.

Where it becomes even more interesting from a Mariners perspective, is the belief Sato will be better-suited to the outfield in the majors, specifically in right field. Now he makes a bit more sense, although some might question adding him to a team that already has two powerful left-hitting right fielders in Dominic Canzone and Lazaro Montes. However, we don't see (much of) an issue here given that both Canzone and Montes can also DH, with additional options of one of the duo being shifted to left field or perhaps even being traded if Sato is signed.

If we're honest, we still believe the odds are against the Mariners signing a player who's projected to make nine figures by coming to the majors. However, at least their reported interest combined with a defensive positional change now adds real intrigue. Plus, the M's need all the offense they can get after finished 28th in scoring this season, something which Sato could help with on the back of producing a .991 OPS and 196 wRC+.

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