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Former Twins slugger Miguel Sanó's first season in Japan: How did he fare?

Taking a look at Sanó's season in Japan.
ByJackson Kruse
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Aug 18, 2021; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Twins first baseman Miguel Sano (22) runs the bases on his solo home run against the Cleveland Indians in the fourth inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 18, 2021; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Twins first baseman Miguel Sano (22) runs the bases on his solo home run against the Cleveland Indians in the fourth inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports | USA TODAY Sports

Former Minnesota Twins slugger Miguel Sanó spent the 2026 season with the Chunichi Dragons of Nippon Professional Baseball in Japan. With the Dragons, Sanó did what Sanó does best: hit a lot of home runs and strike out frequently. In 95 games with Chunichi, Sanó slashed .220/.293/.462 with 23 home runs, eight doubles, 52 RBI and 97 strikeouts.

Sanó missed time with an injury this season. In a seven-game rehab stint with the Dragons' minor-league affiliate, Sanó went 6-for-18 with two home runs, a double and five RBI.

Unfortunately, Sanó's team didn't make the NPB playoffs this year.

Former Twins slugger Miguel Sanó might sign another NPB deal

Sanó, 33, made $1.3 million to play for the Dragons in 2026. Based on his power numbers this year, he will likely be able to land another NPB deal. An MLB team might be willing to offer him a minor-league contract, but his low on-base percentage and high strikeout rate with the Dragons make it hard to imagine he could find success in the big leagues again. If he wants to maximize his earnings, he should try to sign another NPB contract this offseason.

In the early 2010s, Sanó and Byron Buxton were widely viewed as the Twins' best two prospects. Buxton has obviously dealt with numerous injuries but has lived up to the hype when he has been healthy. Meanwhile, Sanó just never panned out.

Sanó made his MLB debut in 2015. He had a strong rookie season, slashing .269/.385/.530 with 18 home runs and 52 RBI over 80 games. He took a step back in 2016, posting a .781 OPS and 0.3 bWAR, then had an outstanding 2017 season, posting 3.0 bWAR and a .264/.352/.507 slash line with 28 home runs and 77 RBI in 114 games. He represented Minnesota in the 2017 All-Star Game and participated in that year's Home Run Derby.

After a poor, injury-riddled 2018 season in which he posted a .679 OPS in 71 games, Sanó bounced back by playing a key role on the 2019 "Bomba Squad," which set the all-time single-season home run record (307). In 2019, Sanó slashed .247/.346/.576 with 34 home runs and 79 RBI in 105 games.

After the shortened 2020 season, Sanó posted a .778 OPS with 30 home runs and 75 RBI in 135 games in 2021. He missed most of the 2022 season due to a knee injury. After the 2022 season, the Twins declined the former top prospect's club option, making him a free agent. He didn't play during the 2023 season, then appeared in 28 games with the Los Angeles Angels in 2024. After being released by the Angels, Sanó spent time in the Dominican Winter League and then signed his contract with the Dragons.

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