MLB Insider Projects Teruaki Sato's Contract in 2026 Free Agency Amid Mets Rumors

Japanese star Teruaki Sato "should blow away" the salaries compatriots Kazuma Okamoto and Munetaka Murakami earned last offseason in MLB free agency, according to The Athletic's Keith Law.

Law projected Sato to earn at least $25 million annually on a deal running for four or five years.

Okamoto got four years and $60 million from the Toronto Blue Jays, while Murakami signed with the Chicago White Sox for two years and $34 million.

Their success in 2026 may give teams more confidence about how Sato will adjust to MLB pitching. Okamoto had 33 home runs and 92 RBI. Murakami looks like a bargain after finishing with 35 homers and a 130 OPS+.

Sato should also benefit from the state of this year's free-agent class.

Two-time Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal is the only true star available, and the position player group is headlined by Randy Arozarena, Seiya Suzuki and Brandon Lowe. Teams with cash to burn may have to pay a premium for a proven hitter.

Sato earned an NPB Triple Crown this season, batting .306 to go along with 39 homers and 106 RBI. Across his six-year career in the league, he owns a .273/.338/.516 slash line.

The New York Mets could make an aggressive play for the 27-year-old. SNY's Chelsea Janes reported traveled personally to Japan on a scouting mission.

Back in August, the New York Post's Jon Heyman reported the New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers and Philadelphia Phillies could also be in the mix.

A potential work stoppage is hanging over the entire offseason. A lot of free agents may be in a holding pattern until a new collective bargaining agreement is in place.

In the case of Sato and others posted by NPB teams, USA Today's Bob Nightengale reported they may have to agree to a contract by Dec. 1, the day the current CBA expires.

Sato won't have the luxury of waiting to see how the market evolves all winter before he has to solidify his next move.