Hanshin Tigers slugger Teruaki Sato is aiming to become the next Japanese star to move to American baseball. The 27-year-old is looking to join a Major League Baseball team through the posting system, according to Japanese news agency Kyodo, as reported by the Associated Press from Tokyo.
Sato had a standout season, hitting 39 home runs with 106 RBIs and a .306 average. He also won the triple crown in Japan's Central League, cementing his place among the country's most dangerous hitters.
"I am grateful to the team for respecting my wishes," Sato said in a statement released by the Tigers, signaling a respectful parting as he pursues his next challenge in the majors.
Sato, a third baseman and outfielder, also represented Japan's national team at this year's World Baseball Classic, where the squad reached the quarterfinals. Over his career in Japan, he has played 803 games, posting a .271 batting average with 163 home runs and 518 RBIs. His bid to cross the Pacific puts him among a growing list of Japanese sluggers eyeing opportunities in MLB.
Source: ESPN MLB · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing