Hanshin execs furious as Teruaki Sato dominates contract negotiations

Until 2029

Avoiding the self-funded camp at the last possible moment, Hanshin Tigers’ Sato Teruaki (26) began training in Okinawa’s Ginoza Village, where the first squad is based, starting February 1.

“By maintaining a strong stance until the very end, he successfully raised his salary and signed a total one-year contract worth 500 million yen including incentives. The annual increase in one year surpasses Tomonori Kanemoto (57), setting a team record, and in terms of salary alone, he now ranks second after Koji Chikamoto (31)’s 500 million yen. This is a clear win for Sato’s side.

Moreover, signing a single-year contract means he can still negotiate posting next season. If posting is approved, his dream comes true, and even if not, his salary will continue to rise,” said a sports newspaper desk source.

At a press conference on January 31 at the team dormitory in Okinawa, Sato smiled and said, “I’m glad to have reached today.” The reason negotiations dragged on this long is because Sato strongly desires to challenge the Major Leagues in the U.S.

“He explicitly stated, ‘I want to go soon. I’d like to continue discussions over time.’ Meanwhile, Takayuki Takeuchi, Hanshin’s vice general manager handling the negotiations, emphasized that posting remains the team’s right, and talks ended at a stalemate. They plan to hold further discussions during the season, but progress is unlikely,” the same source added.

A long-time Kansai-based reporter covering Hanshin quietly commented:

“Sato signed with the VC Sports Group as his agent, a group trusted by many Major Leaguers, to negotiate posting approval with the team. Some team executives are giving him a stern look, thinking, ‘Just because he had one good season, doesn’t mean he can push for anything he wants!’

Furthermore, executives at the parent company, Hankyu Hanshin Holdings, who oversee the Hanshin franchise, are angry, saying, ‘He’s rushing to chase a Major League move and underestimating the team.’ Even if Sato transfers abroad, the transfer fee would be minimal,” said a Kansai TV station source.

The executives’ anger appears substantial:

“If the team’s figurehead had gone into a self-funded camp, it would have affected team morale, so the team softened its stance this time. But that doesn’t mean they will always concede. Sato’s earliest chance to gain overseas free agency will be in the 2029 season, when he turns 30. Some are determined to make him work for three more years and refuse posting.

Even Akihiro Okada, his former mentor and manager, reportedly muttered off the record, ‘What is Teru thinking?’ Sato is a star representing the league, so we hope he can pursue his dream amicably.”

It seems his aggressive negotiation stance has ruffled the team’s feathers.