Phillies predicted to sign $15M three-time All-Star slugger over Japanese phenom Teruaki Sato

Phillies predicted to sign $15M three-time All-Star slugger over Japanese phenom Teruaki Sato originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here . The Philadelphia Phillies know their window to win another World Series is beginning to narrow. With several members of their core group getting older, the pressure is mounting for the organization to make the most of its championship opportunity. Philadelphia has several areas to address this offseason following another disappointing postseason. One of the biggest priorities will be improving the outfield, which remains an area of concern heading into next season. “Of the areas that the team needs to address, not much has changed over the last couple of years. This is still a group that needs more offensively from their outfield and also better pitching from the bullpen. In terms of free agency, these should certainly be the areas that they are focused on, but it might not be the only one," SI's Nick Ziegler wrote. The Phillies have been mentioned as a potential landing spot for Japanese star Teruaki Sato, who currently plays third base but could eventually transition to the outfield. “Some teams believe he can stay at third base; others see him as best suited for first base or left field. Either way, the bat profiles for the middle of the order. I think he stays at third base initially and would be a perfect fit for teams like the Phillies, Red Sox, Angels and Yankees, which leads me to believe this will end up being a big-market bidding war," MLB insider Jim Bowden wrote. While signing Sato would certainly generate excitement among Philadelphia fans, CBS Sports' Dayn Perry believes the organization could pursue Seattle Mariners outfielder Randy Arozarena instead. “Arozarena is coming off an excellent season with Seattle, and the Phillies , still trying to make the most of their closing window, badly need an upgrade at the outfield corners. Philly hasn't been shy about investing in the on-field product, which means adding the likes of Arozarena would be fully in character,” Perry wrote. Adding a former ALCS MVP would bring valuable postseason experience to Philadelphia's outfield. More importantly, Arozarena could provide a significant boost to a Phillies lineup that struggled with consistency at times last season. Arozarena recently completed his $15 million contract with the Seattle Mariners, potentially making him an intriguing option for Philadelphia. With its championship window narrowing, the Phillies could be aggressive in pursuing an established bat who can help them make another deep postseason run. Why it makes sense to sign Arozarena Arozarena has made an impact with every team he has played for throughout his career. He brings postseason experience, consistent offensive production and the ability to change a game with one swing of the bat. Just as importantly, Arozarena addresses one of Philadelphia's biggest needs. Adding another established outfielder would give the Phillies more flexibility with their lineup and could allow Bryce Harper to return to the infield. Arozarena's power-hitting ability would also make an already dangerous lineup even more dynamic. Philadelphia can’t afford to let its offensive production become another concern next season. Bringing in a proven hitter like Arozarena would immediately strengthen the lineup and give the Phillies another player capable of delivering in big moments. Considering the organization's urgency to capitalize on its championship window, pursuing Arozarena makes plenty of sense. More MLB news: Braves predicted to reunite with $110M former Cy Young finalist to create elite duo with Chris Sale Blue Jays predicted to sign $25M ex-Yankees high-impact arm to create nasty duo with Dylan Cease Braves predicted to sign $6.2M starter who had career resurgence with Orioles to be Chris Sale heir Yankees predicted to sign superstar Triple Crown winner to replace Ryan McMahon amid struggles