The Mets could be interested in acquiring one of the next generation of Japanese stars.
Three Japanese talents, right-hander Tatsuya Imai, super utility player Kazuma Okamoto, and first/third baseman Munetaka Murakami, are anticipated to be posted this winter, according to a story published on Thursday by Jon Heyman of The New York Post. Murakami, one of those stars, may end up becoming the Mets’ future first baseman.
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According to Heyman via The Post, “David Stearns, the president of baseball operations for the Mets, scouted in Japan, and some rivals are speculating the Mets may play for Murakami if they can’t re-sign Pete Alonso.” “Stearns also saw Okamoto and Imai, a 27-year-old right-hander.”
The 25-year-old power hitter Murakami had 134 RBI and 56 home runs in 143 games with the Yakult Swallows in 2022. He is a career batter who consistently hits 30–40 home runs. .944 OPS and a batting average of 274.
After having elbow surgery in the summer and then sustaining an oblique injury during spring training, Murakami has only played 46 games this season. This season, he has hit 17 home runs and is batting.310 with an OPS of 1.081.
Alonso’s replacement won’t be simple. Throughout his career, Murakami has mostly played third base; in just 26.2% of his games, he has played first base.
Additionally, Alonso has earned an extension this season following arduous contract discussions last winter. In 140 games this season, he has 113 RBIs, 33 home runs, and a.873 OPS while batting.271. Additionally, he has solidified his place in the hearts of supporters by surpassing Darryl Strawberry’s record of 252 home runs, which was previously held by the team.
Alonso has hit 259 home runs in his career as of Friday morning.
