Rumored Red Sox Target Predicted To Sign With Mets For $95 Million
Will this guy strike out too much in the bigs?
While it hasn’t been an explosive MLB offseason thus far — with some exceptions — we’ll all know the destination of a much-discussed free-agent bat by December 22.
That’s the date by which Japanese corner infielder Munetaka Murakami must sign with an MLB team. The Boston Red Sox, who still haven’t re-signed Alex Bregman, were linked to Murakami as recently as Friday by MLB Network’s Jon Morosi.
Murakami has other suitors, however, the New York Mets being one of them. It makes sense that the Mets would be going after Murakami’s bat, now that they’ve lost power-hitter Pete Alonso to the Baltimore Orioles.
On Friday, Bleacher Report’s Tim Kelly predicted that Murakami will ultimately sign with the Mets on a five-year, $95 million contract.
“There’s been surprisingly little buzz on Munetaka Murakami considering the fact that his posting requires that he reach a deal with an MLB team by 5 p.m. ET on Dec. 22,” Kelly wrote.
“It’s particularly difficult to gauge his market because while he’s homered 246 times in eight seasons for the Yakult Swallows, he also strikes out at a high clip and there are concerns about his ability to hit high velocities. Additionally, it’s unclear if any teams really view him as a third baseman, or if he’s seen strictly as a first baseman and/or DH.”
“For whatever it’s worth, Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns did personally scout Murakami over the summer,” Kelly continued. “With Alonso having departed, the Mets obviously have a need for a power hitter. Murakami could play first base and/or DH in New York.”
Kelly also mentioned the Seattle Mariners and Los Angeles Angels as potential landing spots for Murakami (Morosi said the Blue Jays are in on him, too). The slugger slashed .273/ .379/ .663/ 1.043 in NPB in 2025 with 22 homers, 47 RBI, and 32 walks in 56 games.
Murakami debuted with the Yakult Swallows in 2018 at age 18. He quickly emerged as a power threat, winning Central League Rookie of the Year in 2019. Back-to-back MVP awards followed in 2021 and 2022, culminating in a historic Triple Crown and NPB-record 56 home runs by a Japanese-born player in 2022.
Murakami contributed to Japan’s 2023 World Baseball Classic victory with key hits. An oblique injury limited him in 2025, but he still slugged 22 homers with a strong OPS, as aforementioned. Murakami’s entrance to MLB and 2026 season should be one of the season’s most interesting storylines.
