Murakami is being posted and will be eligible to sign with major league teams. Could he fit with the Jays, who are fresh off a trip to the World Series?
Japanese slugger Munetaka Murakami is being posted by the Yakult Swallows and will be eligible to sign with any major league team, including the Toronto Blue jays.
As noted by Jeff Passan of ESPN, his official 45-day window to sign begins on Saturday, Nov. 8. If he doesn't sign by that time, he'll go back to Japan.
Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet posted on "X" that the Jays have a strong presence in the Pacific Rim and that they have some level of interest in Murakami. Its unknown if that interest is really legitimate or just somewhat due diligence.
About Murakami
He's a 25-year-old corner infielder who was a part of Japan's 2023 World Baseball Classic championship squad. He's got a ton of power, hitting 246 home runs over eight seasons in the NPB, but there are real questions about his ability to make consistent contact.
Per MLBTradeRumors:
Murakami slashed .270/.394/.557 with the Swallows, though there is plenty of swing-and-miss to his game. He struck out at least 28% of the time in each of his last three seasons. Strikeout numbers are typically lower in NPB, so that mark should be expected to rise when Murakami faces MLB pitching.
How about the money?
While it's unknown what the salary will ultimately be for Murakami, remember there is a posting fee that has to be considered as well. The bigger the deal, the larger the ultimate posting fee.
The Jays have some money coming off the books this offseason with Chris Bassitt, Bo Bichette and Max Scherzer ticketed for free agency, but bringing back Bichette would significantly cut into that.
Could he fit with Toronto?
Yes, but a fit wouldn't be perfect. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is locked in at first base for the next 14 years after his $500 million extension. Third base is less solidified, but would the Jays bump World Series hero Ernie Clement from that spot? He's a back-to-back finalist for the Gold Glove Award at the position.
What about Bichette? If the Jays brought him back in free agency, would they want to move him to third? Or could they move him to second?
What other suitors are out there?
When you talk about a Japanese slugger, the Dodgers have to come to mind, but the Yankees, Mets and Red sox are always in the mood for a splashy move. The Seattle Mariners need offense and have openings at both corners as well.
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