Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

As the MLB free agency gets going, there are plenty of talented players available for teams to sign. This is where franchises can set themselves up for massive success down the line, and we could see a ton of action this year.

One of the bigger names that will be available for teams to land is Japanese infielder Munetaka Murakami, who was just posted to come to the big leagues. Murakami has been a highly sought-after name in the NPB, and now teams will be bidding for his services this winter.

In 2021, the infielder won the Central League MVP at just 21 years old, and then he followed that up with one of the best seasons in NPB history in 2022. Murakami won the Triple Crown that season, hitting .318/.458/.710 with 56 home runs, which broke a record fr most home runs by a Japanese player

While his 2021 and 2022 seasons were great, the infielder has slowed down in recent years. Murakami has continued to mash the ball, just not at the heavy rate that he saw in 2022.

Murakami has dealt with some injuries in recent years, especially this past season. For the year, Murakami hit 286/.392/.659, with 24 homers in 220 at-bats.

Now that he will be coming over to the big leagues, many around baseball view him as having All-Star potential. This could see a massive bidding war ensue, and there could be a run to land his services.

However, there are some doubters about his overall game. Like any player coming over to the MLB, teams don’t know for sure how a hitter is going to respond to the increased velocity of pitching.

Japanese players tend to have an increased strikeout rate when they come to the United States, and Murakami could be next in line. This past season, Murakami struck out 41.7% of the time against fastballs faster than 93 mph.

This is where the cause for concern is around the game, but it won’t stop teams from signing him. Murakami is in a unique spot that only a few players coming to the United States have the chance to get, and that is a large contract.

But where he may land remains a big mystery around the league. However, he does have real potential and could be a steal for any team.

This is just a prediction, NOT a report!

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Munetaka Murakami Signs With Toronto Blue Jays

One option for Murakami could be the Toronto Blue Jays. Toronto is coming off a tough loss in the World Series, and they need some more help across the roster.

The Blue Jays have been involved in the bidding for some Japanese players in recent years, and they could make a push to land Murakami. The appeal of a city like Toronto is the diversity that it has, and it could see them finally land the big fish.

Toronto also just saw major success on the big stage, and players may respond well to that. Murakami could fit in well with this Blue Jays club, and he could help them get over the hump to bring a title to the city.

The price tag may be the biggest obstacle for the Blue Jays, especially if they are competing with other big-market teams. But in the end, Toronto is one of the better landing spots for the potential future All-Star.