"Munetaka Murakami is one of the most intriguing free agents available this offseason, with titanic power that earned him a NPB Triple Crown and the nickname "The Babe Ruth of Higo". However, for all of his prodigious talents, the 25-year-old slugger comes with serious defects, like questionable defensive ability and a significant strikeout problem that stems from an inability to catch up to elite velocity."
"It appears the front office has the same question. Like Murakami, Kazuma Okamoto is a NPB star who was posted and will sign with a major league team this offseason. Unlike Murakami, the 29-year-old doesn't require heinous strikeout habits to tap into his elite raw power. Could the Blue Jays be tipping their hand as to which Japanese star they prefer? As originally reported by Yahoo Japan, they were one of six teams with scouts in attendance for Okamoto's exhibition game against Korea."
Munetaka Murakami has titanic power, earned a NPB Triple Crown, and received the nickname "The Babe Ruth of Higo". Murakami, 25, has questionable defensive ability and a significant strikeout problem stemming from an inability to catch up to elite velocity. He struck out at a 28.3% rate in 2025 and appears likely to be limited to first base in the major leagues. Kazuma Okamoto, 29, is a posted NPB star who offers elite raw power without the same severe strikeout habits, making him a cleaner Blue Jays fit. Scouts from six teams, including the Blue Jays, attended Okamoto's exhibition game against Korea.
Read at Jays Journal
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