Memo to MLB’s huge spenders: Get these wallets open.
Munetaka Murakami is ready to be posted Friday, opening the 45-day window for MLB groups to barter with the star Japanese third baseman, The Put up’s Joel Sherman confirmed.
The 25-year-old is anticipated to have a heavy market this winter, with the Mets probably amongst these within the slugger who hit 246 homers over eight seasons in Nippon Skilled Baseball, together with a document 56 in 2022.
He hit 22 lengthy balls in 56 video games whereas battling an indirect damage this previous season with the Yakult Swallows, slashing .273/.379/.663.
Murakami’s energy is greater than sufficient to attract curiosity regardless of a excessive strikeout price.
Mets common supervisor David Stearns took a visit to Japan final summer season to see him in motion.
With first baseman Pete Alonso set to hit free company — unburdened by a qualifying supply this time — the Mets may look to Murakami, who may play first, as a possible alternative.
The Mets have been gamers within the current crop of Japanese stars to return stateside, having supplied pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto the identical 12-year, $325 million deal he bought with the Dodgers. They have been additionally within the combine for phenom Roki Sasaki, who ended up in Los Angeles as effectively.
They signed Kodai Senga to a five-year, $75 million pact earlier than the 2023 season.
Not like Sasaki, nonetheless, Murakami will not be thought of an beginner and may command free agent cash — anticipated to hit 9 figures — forward of his Dec. 5 window deadline.
He probably received’t be alone in heading to the U.S. with Yomiuri Giants star Kazuma Okamoto and Seibu Lions pitching star Tatsuya Imai anticipated to be posted, too, based on The Put up’s Jon Heyman.
