#munetaka-murakami

#munetaka-murakami

Much of what is reported about specific player connections is done so because either a team or player rep wants to create leverage, and that's never more true than during the Winter Meetings. Whether it's a smoke screen to obscure other pursuits or a way to spur increased offers from interested parties, there's almost always an angle to the information that goes public.

Murakami had some impressive seasons from 2019-2021, but his 2022 season was a historic one. At the age of 22, the third baseman/first baseman slashed .318/.458/.710 with 56 home runs in 612 plate appearances, good enough for a 225 wRC+. He hit an additional 64 home runs in 2023 and 2024, but his numbers declined across the board, especially his batting average, while his K% jumped up drastically. On Friday, Murakami was posted, giving MLB teams 45 days (Dec. 22) to sign him.

Munetaka Murakami to be posted for MLB clubs this offseason (2:20) Ten teams will go into 2026 with a new manager, with eight of those jobs currently vacant (18:50) Plus, we answer your questions, including... Can the Mets get Tarik Skubal from the Tigers? (29:55) Would Pete Alonso return to the Mets if they offered $150MM over five years? (38:20)

Alonso saying he is seeking a 7 year deal is essentially him saying that he's out of Queens. So if you're Stearns, is the play to go all out for Murakami? Short-term on a Josh Naylor? Or give the keys to Clifford, strengthen up elsewhere like CF, 3B, DH to supplement the offense now you don't have Pete? Or just really go all in on your "Run Prevention" Plan, go get a Skubal or Skenes, sign Valdez or Cease and fortify the defense.