A prominent MLB insider claims that Japanese star Munetaka Murakami — a free agent linked to the New York Mets, Seattle Mariners, and several other teams — has the potential to be the next Kyle Schwarber.
A few months ago, elite Japanese slugger Murakami was viewed as one of the best players who would be available in MLB free agency this offseason. And it was understandable why. He can play either corner infield spot. He has a serious power bat after hitting 30 or more homers in five seasons, and he is only 25 years old.
Murakami seemed like the perfect target for many teams around the league, especially NY Mets President David Stearns, who prefers giving long-term deals to players under 30. However, as clubs have done a deeper dive into the Yakult Swallows star, some concerns have emerged. Specifically about his ability to be an average fielder in MLB, and worries about his swing and miss rate.
It is why there have not been a lot of rumors of late about where he may land, and even some speculation that if he doesn’t get the offers he was expecting, he could head back to Japan. However, The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal expects him to put pen to paper on an MLB contract soon, and the main reason why is that his potential is too good to pass on.
Munetaka Murakami has Kyle Schwarber potential?
“Murakami might be the next Kyle Schwarber,” Rosenthal boldly said during a recent appearance on the Foul Territory Show. “He plays first, he plays third, but from what everyone is saying, he’s not a great defender. He has a lot of swing and miss in his game. That’s the concern teams have. The other is will he hit velocity.
“But he has incredible power. The power teams crave,” he added. “If you sign him, you’re betting he is the next Schwarber.”
- Munetaka Murakami stats: 69 G, .286 AVG, .392 OBP, .659 SLG, 1.051 OPS, 24 HR, 52 RBI, 40 R
Rosenthal claims Murakami is the biggest “boom-or-bust” talent in free agency this year. The slugger might be open to taking a short-term deal with a higher annual rate, which would appeal to teams like the Mets and Mariners. However, his posting fee has to be added in, and that makes it an even more expensive deal.
He would be an intriguing option for New York to help fill the power void left by Pete Alonso’s departure to the Baltimore Orioles. For Seattle, the idea of Cal Raleigh, Josh Naylor, Julio Rodriguez, and Munetaka Murakami as the heart of the batting order is very intriguing.
