Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

Even with all the concerns that teams across baseball have about incoming Japanese infielder Munetaka Murakami, he still remains one of the more interesting names on the open market. Murakami was posted to leave the NPB a few weeks ago, giving big league teams a window of opportunity to sign him outright.

Multiple teams have already shown interest in adding the slugger to their rosters, and we could see a small bidding war take place. Murakami has a lot of talent to add to a ballclub, but there are also real issues with his game that could make some organizations wary.

Like many other Japanese players to come over, Murakami has heavily struggled with hitting velocity. Murakami struck out 41.7 percent of the time against fastballs faster than 93 mph, showing some concern for his transition to the big leagues.

However, even with this, Murakami also brings over a ton of impressive accomplishments during his time with the NPB. At just 21 years old, Murakami took home the Central League MVP award, which first got him noticed around the world.

But then in his next season, Murakami posted one of the greatest seasons in NPB history. His 2022 season saw him hit .318/.458/.710 with 56 home runs, breaking a record for most home runs by a Japanese player, winning the Triple Crown in the process.

Over the last few years, his numbers have come back down to earth a little, but he was still able to produce at a high level. Many around the game see him as a power-hitting infielder, but the velocity issues could end up holding him back.

The big leagues are now in an era where velocity is everything, so Murakami will need to adjust to the style of game for whatever team he signs with. But the overall potential of Murakami remains high, and this is why so many teams are interested in giving him a chance to show what he can do at the big league level.

However, nobody knows where he may sign, and it seems like multiple teams can make the case to land him. But do to his posting window, there is a timeline for him to join a team, so we will have an idea of his landing spot in the coming weeks.

This is just a prediction, NOT a report!

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Munetaka Murakami Signs With Philadelphia Phillies

One team that has been linked with Murakami all winter is the Philadelphia Phillies. Phialdelphia has been searching for a way to improve numbers from the third base side, and this could be a way to make it happen.

The Phillies have the type of lineup that could help “protect” Murakami throughout the year, and he could thrive playing with this team. Putting him next to Bryce Harper, Trae Turner, and others on the Phillies could see him reach his full potential in the big leagues.

The Phillies are the type of team that could allow for some patience with him, especially considering he will need time to adjust to the speed of the game. But this could help maximize the Phillies’ winning window, giving them a potential All-Star at the age of 25.

Since Murakami wouldn’t be seen as “the” guy in Philadelphia, he could simply play his game and let things come to him. Philadelphia has reportedly been very involved in this process, and the pairing makes a lot of sense for each to consider doing.