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Teruaki Sato looks tempting for Cubs until one roster issue comes into focus

The Cubs should probably stay away from Teruaki Sato.
ByPat Ragazzo
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Mar 15, 2025; Bunkyo, Tokyo, Japan; Hanshin Tigers right fielder Teruaki Sato (8) poses for a photo after defeating the Chicago Cubs at Tokyo Dome. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
Mar 15, 2025; Bunkyo, Tokyo, Japan; Hanshin Tigers right fielder Teruaki Sato (8) poses for a photo after defeating the Chicago Cubs at Tokyo Dome. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Chicago Cubs have had great success with Japanese players in recent years from Seiya Suzuki to Shota Imanaga. This offseason, big slugger Teruaki Sato will be posted to MLB and he could be pretty enticing for the Cubs as a free agent target.

While playing for the Hanshin Tigers in the NPB, Sato slashed .306/.383/.609 with a .991 OPS, 39 home runs and 106 RBI in 143 games this past season. He also won the Triple Crown in the process. This type of offense would fit nicely in Chicago given they scored just one run in the NL Wild Card round, getting swept by the San Diego Padres in two games.

Why Sato doesn't fit the Cubs

Although Sato is an intriguing option for the Cubs, and could instantly boost their offense, he doesn't necessarily fit the roster. Sato is a third baseman that can also play right field. Some teams might consider moving him to first base, but he has never played the position before.

Sato doesn't fit the Cubs defensively with Alex Bregman occupying third base and Michael Busch at first base. Sato could slide into the right field opening if Suzuki departs in free agency. However, the Cubs would be better off re-signing Suzuki if they're thinking about adding Sato.

Sato, 27, isn't a proven commodity like Suzuki has become in Chicago. The Cubs would be taking a risk by replacing Suzuki with Sato in right field. Sato also has a 27 percent strikeout rate across the last two seasons in the NPB, which could increase in the major leagues. Suzuki had a 24.4 percent strikeout rate in 2026.

Suzuki is coming off another strong season with the Cubs. In 143 games, Suzuki slashed .270/.368/.473 with a .841 OPS, 26 homers, 86 RBI and a 5.1 bWAR. Suzuki brings great defense in right field, producing five Outs Above Average (fifth-most for right fielders in MLB) in 2026. Suzuki has done nothing but hit since joining the Cubs in 2022 and also brings a more than solid glove and throwing arm at his position.

Beyond adding pitching, bringing back Suzuki should be the Cubs' top priority this offseason. The Cubs could certainly have interest in Sato this winter, but they are better off re-signing Suzuki, who has shown he can perform in Chicago. If the Cubs were to replace Suzuki with Sato, they'd be playing him out of position in right field and taking a risk on his unproven bat in the majors.

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