The Philadelphia Phillies appear to be laying early groundwork for the upcoming offseason by exploring options in the Japanese free-agent market. A report from Japan indicates the organization recently dispatched several scouts and front-office officials overseas to evaluate slugger, who is expected to be one of the most sought-after hitters available this winter. The interest seems significant, as general manager Preston Mattingly reportedly made the trip himself.
Last offseason featured several notable Japanese stars, including Tatsuya Imai, Munetaka Murakami, and Kazuma Okamoto, but Philadelphia never seriously entered the mix for any of them. Murakami has since emerged as one of Major League Baseball’s premier power hitters with the Chicago White Sox, though the Phillies likely stayed away because his position was already spoken for. Okamoto, meanwhile, might have been a fit. The third baseman signed a four-year, $60 million deal with the Toronto Blue Jays and has performed solidly. Philadelphia instead stuck with Alec Bohm at third base, though Bohm is struggling this season, hitting just .209/.264/.304 in 2026.
According to the report, Mattingly and the Phillies’ scouting group arrived well ahead of time for a matchup between Sato’s Hanshin Tigers and the Hiroshima Toyo Carp. The group wanted an up-close look at Sato during batting practice and throughout the game. Mattingly explained that he was focused on observing everything—from how Sato interacts with teammates to his movement, defense, and overall physical approach at the plate.
Although Sato went hitless in that May 15 game, which ended in Hanshin’s first shutout loss of the season, his overall numbers remain eye-catching. Through 41 games this year, he is batting .360/.440/.720 with 11 home runs and 32 RBIs. A year earlier, he crushed 40 homers and drove in 102 runs across 139 games.
Sato’s versatility adds to his appeal, as he can handle multiple positions, most commonly third base and right field. Coincidentally, those are two areas where the Phillies may soon need help. Bohm and right fielder Adolis García are both scheduled to hit free agency after the 2026 season.
That said, Sato is not a flawless fit. As noted by observers, he hits left-handed, and Philadelphia’s lineup already leans heavily in that direction, with five left-handed hitters among the regular starters. Bohm and García are two of the few right-handed everyday bats currently in the lineup.
Even so, the Phillies can’t afford to continue ignoring Japan’s talent pool. Like several other clubs, they may regret not being more aggressive in past pursuits of Murakami or Okamoto. Competition for Sato is expected to be fierce, but Philadelphia could have one subtle advantage: reports suggest that Sato’s baseball idol is Bryce Harper, one of the Phillies’ cornerstone stars.