The Philadelphia Phillies need to make some changes to the big league roster this offseason. They’ve built a good core, with Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber, along with an elite starting rotation, but they need more help.
While the bullpen is a need, the Phillies’ biggest issue is their outfield. Addressing that is a priority this offseason, and Dave Dombrowski is showing real interest in 39-homer Japanese slugger Teruaki Sato.
But even though Sato is the Phillies’ “top” target this offseason, according to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, they’re set to have stiff competition with the New York Mets, New York Yankees, and San Diego Padres.
Phillies ‘top’ free agent target is the same player as the Mets, Yankees, and Padres
“Japanese slugger Teruaki Sato is the position player everyone wants, and he’s the top position player choice for the Phillies, Yankees, Mets and Padres,” Nightengale writes.
The Phillies are showing interest in Sato, who would be a significant outfield upgrade for the team this offseason. Even though they could use a right-handed hitter, Sato is a young lefty slugger worth investing in.
This past season, Sato had 39 home runs to go with 106 RBI, eight stolen bases, 68 walks, a .306 batting average, and a .991 OPS with 165 hits and 100 runs scored in 539 at-bats.
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Sato, the 27-year-old Japanese outfielder, would be an incredible addition for the Phillies. But with the Mets, Yankees, and Padres all in the same boat having Sato as their top free agent target, it might be tricky for the Phillies to land the outfielder.
Dombrowski is going to try, as Sato is the perfect free agent option for the Phillies to not only shake up their outfield with a big offseason addition, but also finally make their entrance into the Japanese free agent market.
Philadelphia’s top free agent option this offseason is Sato, but with likely tough competition, landing the 39-homer Japanese slugger might prove difficult.
