Hiromi Itoh, Teruaki Sato Expected To Be Posted For MLB Teams Next Winter
Hiromi Itoh, Teruaki Sato Expected To Be Posted For MLB Teams Next Winter
The landscape of Major League Baseball is bracing for another significant influx of Japanese talent. Recent reports indicate that Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) stars Hiromi Itoh and Teruaki Sato are expected to be posted by their respective clubs following the 2026 season. This move would allow MLB teams to negotiate with two of Japan's most decorated current players: a reigning Sawamura Award winner and a powerhouse slugger. As the 2026 World Baseball Classic unfolds, scouts from all 30 Major League clubs are keeping a close eye on these two standout performers who look poised to follow in the footsteps of Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
According to industry insiders and reports from ESPN’s Jorge Castillo, MLB teams are already preparing for the free-agent market of next winter, where Hiromi Itoh and Teruaki Sato are anticipated to be the headliners. Itoh, the ace of the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters, and Sato, the Hanshin Tigers' premier power hitter, represent the elite tier of talent currently playing in Japan. Their potential availability through the posting system signifies a continued trend of NPB clubs being willing to release their stars earlier than the traditional nine-year service requirement in exchange for substantial release fees.
Who is Hiromi Itoh? The Sawamura Award Winner
Hiromi Itoh has established himself as arguably the best pitcher in Japan not currently playing in North America. At 28 years old, the right-hander for the Nippon-Ham Fighters is coming off a sensational 2025 campaign where he earned the prestigious Sawamura Award. This honor is Japan's equivalent to the Cy Young Award, though it is often considered harder to win as it is only given to one pitcher across both the Central and Pacific Leagues, and only if they meet rigorous statistical benchmarks.
Itoh’s 2025 stats were nothing short of dominant. He posted a 2.52 ERA over 196.2 innings, leading the league with 195 strikeouts. Despite being relatively small for a power pitcher at 5-foot-9, Itoh possesses a robust seven-pitch arsenal. His fastball consistently touches 96 mph, but it is his secondary offerings—a sharp splitter and a high-whiff sweeper—that have MLB talent evaluators buzzing. Analysts often compare his pitching style and stature to current MLB veteran Sonny Gray, noting his durability and ability to maintain velocity deep into games.
Teruaki Sato: The Hanshin Tigers Powerhouse
On the offensive side, Teruaki Sato stands out as the most feared hitter in a league that has become increasingly pitcher-friendly. The 27-year-old third baseman and outfielder for the Hanshin Tigers enjoyed a career-best year in 2025, slashing .277/.345/.579. Most impressively, Sato launched 40 home runs, leading the Central League and outdistancing his closest competitor by a wide margin. His performance earned him the Central League MVP award and solidified his reputation as a "nemesis" for elite pitchers.
Sato’s versatility is a key selling point for MLB clubs. While he has primarily manned third base for the Tigers over the last three seasons, winning a Gold Glove for his efforts, he also has significant experience in right field. This flexibility, combined with left-handed power that translates well to modern MLB stadiums, makes him a unique target. Scouts have noted his gradual improvement at the plate, specifically his reduced strikeout rate and better pitch recognition, comparing his offensive ceiling to that of Ryan O'Hearn or even more prolific power-hitting corner infielders.
Understanding the MLB-NPB Posting System
For fans unfamiliar with the process, the posting system is a unique transfer agreement between MLB and NPB. Players who have not yet reached nine years of professional service in Japan cannot simply sign as free agents. Instead, their NPB team must "post" them, making them available to MLB clubs for a 45-day negotiating window. If a player signs a contract, the MLB team must pay a release fee to the original Japanese club, calculated as a percentage of the contract's total value.
The anticipated posting of Itoh and Sato is significant because it requires the cooperation of the Nippon-Ham Fighters and the Hanshin Tigers. Neither player has reached the nine-year service mark. However, teams often choose to post players early to capitalize on high release fees, especially after a championship run or an individual award-winning season. Sato, for instance, helped lead the Tigers to a Japan Series title in 2023 and a return trip in 2025, potentially making the club more amenable to his departure.
Comparison of the Two Japanese Stars
While Itoh and Sato play different positions, their paths to MLB are remarkably similar. Both are in their athletic primes and both have proven everything they can in the NPB. The following table provides a snapshot of their profiles as they prepare for a potential move to the United States.
| Feature | Hiromi Itoh (RHP) |
|---|---|
| Age (for 2027 Season) | 29 |
| NPB Team | Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters |
| Key Achievement | 2025 Sawamura Award Winner |
| MLB Comparison | Sonny Gray |
| Feature | Teruaki Sato (3B/OF) |
|---|---|
| Age (for 2027 Season) | 28 |
| NPB Team | Hanshin Tigers |
| Key Achievement | 2025 Central League MVP |
| MLB Comparison | Ryan O'Hearn |
Market Projections: Who Will Bid?
The demand for high-end starting pitching and versatile power hitting is perennial in MLB. Itoh is expected to draw interest from big-market teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Mets, and New York Yankees, all of whom have deep scouting departments in Asia. However, his profile as a durable, mid-rotation starter with "ace potential" could also attract teams like the Baltimore Orioles or the Boston Red Sox, who are looking to solidify their rotations with proven international talent.
Teruaki Sato’s market may be even more intriguing. His power is a rare commodity. Teams looking for a left-handed bat with defensive versatility—such as the Seattle Mariners or the Chicago Cubs—could be front-runners. The release fee structure makes these players accessible to more than just the highest-spending teams, as the fee is tied to the contract value rather than a blind bidding war, a change implemented in the system several years ago to create a more level playing field.
Impact of the 2026 World Baseball Classic
The 2026 World Baseball Classic serves as the ultimate "audition" for these players. Facing MLB-level competition on a global stage provides the final piece of the evaluation puzzle for many scouts. In Japan’s early tournament games, Itoh has already impressed, pitching effectively out of the bullpen and showing that his splitter can miss the bats of Major League hitters. Sato has also contributed, showcasing his power in pinch-hitting roles and during starts in the outfield.
Success in the WBC has historically boosted the market value of Japanese players. Figures like Masataka Yoshida and Kodai Senga saw their stock rise significantly after strong international performances. If Itoh and Sato can lead Team Japan to another deep run in the tournament, the "hype train" heading into the next winter's posting period will be at an all-time high. The current tournament in Miami and Tokyo is effectively a showcase for the 2027 MLB free-agent class.
Potential Challenges and Transitions
Moving from NPB to MLB is not without its hurdles. The transition involves adapting to a different baseball (MLB balls are generally slicker and have lower seams), a more rigorous travel schedule, and a different strike zone. For a pitcher like Itoh, adjusting his seven-pitch mix to the habits of North American hitters will be the primary challenge. For Sato, the adjustment to the increased velocity and higher spin rates of MLB fastballs will be the key to his success.
Furthermore, there is the matter of MLB's labor environment. Reports have noted that a potential work stoppage or labor uncertainty could influence the timing of these postings. If players and their NPB clubs fear a lockout, they might delay the posting to the 2027-2028 offseason. However, most experts believe the financial incentives for both the players and the Japanese teams are too great to delay the move if the talent is ready now.
FAQ Section
How does the posting fee work for MLB teams?
The posting fee is a release payment made by the signing MLB team to the NPB team. It is calculated as 20% of the first $25 million of the contract, 17.5% of the next $25 million, and 15% of any amount exceeding $50 million.
Are Hiromi Itoh and Teruaki Sato free agents?
No, they are currently under contract with their NPB teams. They will only be able to sign with MLB teams if their Japanese clubs agree to "post" them through the official MLB-NPB transfer system.
What is the age limit for international amateur free agency?
Players under the age of 25 with less than six years of professional experience are subject to international bonus pool restrictions. Both Itoh (28) and Sato (27) are over this threshold, meaning they can sign major league contracts for any amount.
Which MLB teams are most likely to pursue Hiromi Itoh?
Teams like the Dodgers, Yankees, Mets, and Red Sox are frequently involved in the Japanese market. However, any team in need of a top-of-the-rotation starter is expected to be interested in the reigning Sawamura Award winner.
Can these players return to Japan if they don't sign a deal?
Yes. If a posted player does not reach an agreement with an MLB team within the 45-day window, their rights revert to their original NPB team, and they cannot be posted again until the following offseason.
Conclusion
The impending arrival of Hiromi Itoh and Teruaki Sato in Major League Baseball represents a exciting new chapter for international baseball. With Itoh offering a Cy Young-caliber arm and Sato providing elite power and defensive versatility, the 2026-2027 offseason is shaping up to be a historic one for Japanese talent. As the baseball world watches them compete in the World Baseball Classic, it is clear that these two stars are ready for the ultimate challenge. MLB fans should get ready; the next wave of Japanese excellence is just one winter away.
Hiromi Itoh, Teruaki Sato Expected To Be Posted For MLB Teams Next Winter
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