The New York Yankees were swept by the Tampa Bay Rays in the American League Division Series, and they have some clear holes in the infield.
Jazz Chisholm Jr. did not have a good season, and the Yankees did not extend him a qualifying offer. It seems like the Yankees will let him walk, meaning Anthony Volpe could start the year at second base. Volpe was much better after being recalled from his demotion.
The Yankees still need to find an answer at third base. Ryan McMahon has been terrible offensively, and the Yankees could go after Teruaki Sato on the open market.
Sato won the Triple Crown in Japan last season and is about to win his second consecutive MVP Award. There are some concerns about his ability to stick at third base and his strikeout rate, but overall he is considered a great player.
Bleacher Report's Tim Kelly predicted the Yankees would sign Sato to a five-year, $100 million deal this offseason.
"The Yankees have a history of stars transitioning from Asian countries, most notably Hideki Matsui," wrote Kelly. "If they think Sato can stick at the hot corner, it's hard to overstate how much of an offensive upgrade he'd be over Ryan McMahon."
Sato may have Munetaka Murakami to thank if he gets a massive payday. Teams were very concerned about Murakami's defense and strikeouts, but he ended up being an All-Star, hitting 35 home runs and leading the Chicago White Sox to the postseason.
Murakami's concerns coming over from Japan led to him signing a shorter deal. However, Sato is considered a better pure hitter, and Murakami's success could have teams ready to overlook some of Sato's flaws.
Sato hit 79 home runs in the last two seasons and could be a great addition to a Yankees lineup that already has tons of pop.