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By Michael DeRosa
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The Seattle Mariners had a disappointing 2026 season, as they finished the year with a 76-86 record and missed the playoffs.
With how this season went for the Mariners, it is clear that they should be looking to add more talent to their roster this offseason. They have multiple areas on their roster that they need to improve, so it would not be surprising if they are very active this winter.
Now, with the MLB offseason just getting started, the Mariners are being connected to a star free agent.
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In a recent article for ESPN, David Schoenfield named the Mariners as a top potential fit for star free agent Teruaki Sato.
"The Mariners are another team in need of an offensive makeover. Like the Yankees, they need a right-handed hitter more than a lefty, especially since they're likely to lose Arozarena in free agency, but this stat is also staring them in the face: They were last in the majors in OPS, RBIs and runs scored at third base," Schoenfield wrote about the Mariners potentially targeting Sato.
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With the Mariners needing another impactful hitter, it would be understandable if they tried to sign an intriguing free agent like Sato. The 27-year-old was absolutely dominant in the Nippon Professional Baseball league and would have the potential to give Seattle's offense a big boost if he adjusts well to the majors.
When looking at Sato's NPB stats, he would be a very fascinating player for the Mariners to take a gamble on. In 143 games during the 2026 season with the Hanshin Tigers, he posted 39 home runs, 106 RBI, and a .306 batting average. With these great numbers, he won the NPB Triple Crown.
Sato was also excellent for Hanshin during the 2025 season. In 139 games that campaign, he recorded 40 home runs, 102 RBI, and a .277 batting average. With numbers like these, it is clear that the 6-foot-1 third baseman has a lot of pop. Thus, it would be exciting for the Mariners if they successfully landed him.
Nevertheless, it will be interesting to see if the Mariners can win the Sato sweepstakes this offseason. While they would likely be a dark-horse landing spot for him if they pursue him, the fit looks excellent on paper.
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