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Yankees news: Teruaki Sato will officially be posted

The Hanshin Tigers have confirmed that they will submit the posting request for Teruaki Sato once the NPB season concludes. The 28-year-old third baseman, who recently won the Central League MVP award, is viewed as a top target for the New York Yankees, who are seeking to improve a position where Ryan McMahon underperformed last year.

A potential MLB lockout beginning on December 1 could complicate Sato's timeline, as all transactions would freeze during that period. This delay might force the Japanese star to remain in his home country for an additional year if the labor dispute extends long enough to disrupt his posting window.

In related organizational news, Aaron Boone is expected to return as the Yankees' manager for the 2027 season. He retains one year on his current contract following a second consecutive elimination in the ALDS by the AL East champion.

Meanwhile, catcher Austin Wells has attributed his mid-season decline and subsequent injury list stint to cervical headaches caused by hard foul tips striking his mask, specifically citing incidents against Boston and Milwaukee. Wells recorded a 53 wRC+ prior to his absence, a figure that may influence the team's decision regarding the role of Ben Rice behind the plate.

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