#munetaka-murakami

#munetaka-murakami

Munetaka Murakami came into the offseason as one of the more intriguing names on the free agent market. He slotted in at No. 4 on our annual Top 50 MLB Free Agents list. Despite Murakami's prolific power in NPB, the reported interest around the young slugger was minimal as the winter progressed. The White Sox and Red Sox were among the only known suitors. Murakami ultimately went to Chicago on a modest two-year, $34MM deal.

NPB slugger Munetaka Murakami's posting window closes at 4pm CT time on December 22. With just over a day left for Murakami to sign with an MLB club, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports that the White Sox are among the teams that are presently engaged in talks with the slugger's camp. Chris Cotillo of MassLive adds that the Red Sox have "kicked the tires" on Murakami, as well as fellow NPB infielder Kazuma Okamoto. Okamoto's posting window closes on January 4.

The Giants signed right-handers Adrian Houser and Jason Foley to major league deals yesterday, and in doing so created in a logjam on their 40-man roster. San Francisco's roster was already at capacity before those signings, so they'll need to make a pair of corresponding moves in order to finalize those additions. Those transactions could be simply designating two other players for assignment, but it's also possible that the Giants could look to work out a trade of some kind that clears 40-man roster space.

Much of what is reported about specific player connections is done so because either a team or player rep wants to create leverage, and that's never more true than during the Winter Meetings. Whether it's a smoke screen to obscure other pursuits or a way to spur increased offers from interested parties, there's almost always an angle to the information that goes public.

Munetaka Murakami to be posted for MLB clubs this offseason (2:20) Ten teams will go into 2026 with a new manager, with eight of those jobs currently vacant (18:50) Plus, we answer your questions, including... Can the Mets get Tarik Skubal from the Tigers? (29:55) Would Pete Alonso return to the Mets if they offered $150MM over five years? (38:20)

Alonso saying he is seeking a 7 year deal is essentially him saying that he's out of Queens. So if you're Stearns, is the play to go all out for Murakami? Short-term on a Josh Naylor? Or give the keys to Clifford, strengthen up elsewhere like CF, 3B, DH to supplement the offense now you don't have Pete? Or just really go all in on your "Run Prevention" Plan, go get a Skubal or Skenes, sign Valdez or Cease and fortify the defense.