Quote from fenn68 on November 6, 2026, 2:40 pm

Early teasing on FA. One report has the Padres (along with other teams) very "interested" in Japanese player Teruaki Sato ... 28 ... 3B/LF ... projected power LHH ... estimated contract $100MM/5 years ($20MM AAV).

Apparently Preller and some front office personnel were scouting Sato in Japan last SEP. (of course, they could have been scouting someone else).

Supposedly he is not a great fielder either in LF or 3B. However in LF there are very few good fielders. So if they signed him probably the starting LF. Maybe to 1B to replace France ... take France's projected FA deal and then non-tender Sheets (who will be a FA in 2028) and Sato is paid for.

With nothing yet going on ... might as well play with scenarios ... probable or not.