With Pete Alonso officially out of the picture, the Mets are staring down a pivotal moment in their lineup rebuild. Replacing a cornerstone like Alonso isn’t just about finding another big bat-it’s about reshaping the identity of the offense.
And with the clock ticking, one intriguing option still on the board is Japanese slugger Munetaka Murakami. But there’s a catch: the window to sign him closes at 5 p.m.
ET on Monday, December 22.
Murakami isn’t your average international free agent. At just 25 years old, he’s already shown flashes of elite-level production in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), including a jaw-dropping 2022 campaign where he slashed .318/.458/.710 with 56 home runs, 118 walks, and 134 RBIs.
That’s the kind of stat line that turns heads in any league. But as with any player making the jump from Japan to MLB, there’s a layer of uncertainty.
The Mets find themselves at a philosophical crossroads here. On one hand, Murakami offers tremendous upside-left-handed power, youth, and no prospect cost.
On the other, there are real questions about how his game will translate. His contact rate has raised some eyebrows, and there have been some durability concerns.
Add in the fact that he’s now viewed primarily as a first baseman or designated hitter, and things get complicated fast.
Defensively, Murakami’s arm likely won’t play at third base at the major league level. That limits his positional flexibility, which is a key factor for a Mets team trying to balance long-term development with short-term competitiveness.
If the front office sees Ryan Clifford as a future first baseman, or still believes Mark Vientos can carve out a role, then adding Murakami could create a roster logjam. It’s not just about talent-it’s about fit.
That said, Murakami’s appeal is undeniable. He’s young, he’s proven he can dominate a high-level league, and he doesn’t require a trade package to acquire.
If the Mets are looking for a left-handed bat to anchor the middle of their lineup, he checks a lot of boxes. And if he’s open to a short-term, prove-it deal, that could be the sweet spot for a team like New York that wants to stay nimble while still adding impact talent.
It’s also worth noting that Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns didn’t just kick the tires on Murakami-he flew to Japan to scout him personally. That kind of effort suggests real interest, not just due diligence. And with teams like the White Sox, Pirates, Mariners, Red Sox, and Padres also reportedly in the mix, the Mets aren’t alone in seeing Murakami’s potential.
The countdown is on. Unlike most free-agent sagas that drag into January, we know exactly when this one ends.
By Monday evening, we’ll know whether Murakami will be calling Queens-or somewhere else-home. For the Mets, it’s a decision that could shape their lineup for years to come.