The Toronto Blue Jays could continue making big moves this offseason after nearly winning the World Series.
Toronto was mere inches away from winning the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, but after a devastating loss, the team will look to improve its roster this offseason. The Blue Jays have already inked hurler Dylan Cease to a seven-year, $210 million contract but are expected to remain active, targeting many of the top free agents.
One free agent that the Blue Jays have been linked to is Yakult Swallows third baseman Munetaka Murakami. MLB.com’s Jon Morosi listed Toronto as one of the teams interested in the 25-year-old slugger.
“Murakami is of interest to teams like the Red Sox, the Mariners, the Tigers, the Phillies, the Mets, the Jays, a lot of different teams,” Morosi said in a YouTube video posted by MLB Network. “The Pirates, I have been told, are connected to Murakami.
“If you want to sign Murakami, you only have 10 more days to do it. And so if the (Alex Bregman) market is going to continue into the new year, and if you’re thinking about Bregman or the power of Murakami … all the power that he’s had in the past, the 56-homer season, (he’s) a really intriguing lefty bat. Yeah, there’s some swing and miss, but he’s a guy that a lot of teams like. You can’t wait forever on Bregman because Murakami is no longer a secondary option once you get past Dec. 22.”
Murakami is a four-time NPB All-Star and would be an intriguing addition for the Blue Jays. Despite only appearing in 69 games this season, the 25-year-old slugger mashed 24 home runs and drove in 52 runs. Murakami has limited time remaining before he needs to sign with a team and would add significant power to the Blue Jays’ lineup for next season.
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