The New York Mets are reportedly losing interest in signing Hanshin Tigers third baseman Teruaki Sato, according to recent reports. The Japanese power hitter had been linked to the Mets as a potential international acquisition, but the club appears to be stepping back from pursuit for undisclosed reasons.
Sato, who plays for the Hanshin Tigers in Nippon Professional Baseball, has drawn attention from MLB teams for his offensive production at the hot corner. The 26-year-old infielder has established himself as one of the Central League's premier power threats during his tenure with Hanshin.
Neither the Mets nor Sato's representatives have publicly commented on the specific factors behind the reported change in direction. The development leaves Sato's potential posting to Major League Baseball in uncertain territory as the offseason progresses.
