College Baseball
Genei Sato plans U.S. transfer for 2027 MLB draft
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Right-hander Genei Sato, a third-year student at Sendai University in Japan, intends to transfer to a U.S. college in February 2026 to become eligible for the 2027 MLB Draft. The 21-year-old pitcher, seen as a potential first-round pick in Japan's 2026 NPB Draft, will play summer ball in the U.S. beforehand. This move follows a growing trend among Japanese amateurs seeking paths to Major League Baseball through NCAA programs.
The Samford baseball team has been selected as the favorite to win the Southern Conference in the 2026 season, according to D1Baseball's preseason preview. Sophomore pitcher Mason Blasche earned preseason Pitcher of the Year honors, while incoming freshman Michael Fredette was named Freshman of the Year.
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Japanese right-hander Genei Sato, previously reported to be planning a U.S. college transfer, has committed to Penn State University. The Nittany Lions announced the move Monday, allowing him to pursue the 2027 MLB Draft directly without the NPB posting system.