It seems like every Philadelphia Phillies fan understands the possibility of losing Kyle Schwarber in free agency.
While it doesn't seem likely as of now, as the fit just makes too much sense for both sides, anything is truly possible in Major League Baseball.
As the Phillies get prepared for the offseason, there will be some interesting names for them to consider.
The free agency pool only got bigger on Friday morning, as it was reported that Japanese slugger Munetaka Murakami had been posted on Friday.
Murakami’s window will now be open for 45 days, allowing any team in Major League Baseball to sign him.
According to MLB.com's Mark Feinsand, he believes the Phillies are one of the teams expected to have interest in him, bringing up the Schwarber situation and how he could be replaced by Murakami if they want to bring him in.
“The Yankees, Mets, Mariners, Phillies, Giants and Red Sox are among the clubs expected to have interest in Murakami, one of two Japanese sluggers expected to make the move to the Majors this winter. Kazuma Okamoto of the Yomiuri Giants, a six-time All-Star and three-time home run champion in Japan, is also likely to be posted...
“Murakami offers a number of possibilities for the Phillies, who may lose Kyle Schwarber and his 56 homers to free agency. Philadelphia could move Bryce Harper back to the outfield to open first base, or the Phillies could trade third baseman Alec Bohm, who is entering his final year prior to free agency. The Red Sox could use Murakami at first base, or if Alex Bregman signs elsewhere, they would have a vacancy at third base,” Feinsand wrote.
As he touched on, if the Phillies were to land Murakami, it could give them some flexibility in the infield and outfield.
The Phillies could look at Bryce Harper as someone who can move back to the outfield, or also look to move on from someone like Alec Bohm.
Murakami has the opportunity to play first or third base in Major League Baseball if teams still view him like they did in Japan, as he's far too young to be a designated hitter at this stage in his career.