The Seattle Mariners are walking a tightrope this offseason - aggressive enough to build on their recent postseason run, but cautious when it comes to handing out nine-figure contracts. After signing Josh Naylor, the team has made it clear they’re not done adding bats.
But with Jorge Polanco heading to the Mets and Eugenio Suárez no longer in the picture, Seattle’s infield still has a few question marks. One name that keeps surfacing?
Munetaka Murakami.
The 25-year-old Japanese slugger is a natural fit for what the Mariners need: a power bat who can play third base and fill the designated hitter role. Murakami brings serious thump to the lineup - the kind of left-handed power that could play well at T-Mobile Park. But there’s a catch, and it’s a big one: the price tag.
Reports indicate Murakami could command a contract north of $100 million. That’s a number that might give Seattle pause.
While the Mariners have been linked to trade targets like Brendan Donovan and Ketel Marte, signing Murakami would allow them to hold onto their top prospects - a tempting alternative for a front office that values its farm system. The question is whether they’re willing to stomach the financial commitment.
There’s also the matter of fit. Murakami, for all his offensive upside, has some swing-and-miss in his game.
That’s something Seattle has tried to cut down on across the roster. Adding another strikeout-prone hitter might not be the direction the Mariners want to go - unless the price drops.
If Murakami’s market doesn’t reach the expected nine-figure threshold, Seattle could find itself back in the conversation.
And timing matters. With the posting deadline approaching on December 22nd, teams will need to make decisions quickly. If the market cools and Murakami is still available, the Mariners could be in position to make a move - potentially landing a high-upside bat at a relative discount.
Internally, the Mariners are also looking at Colt Emerson as a potential solution in the infield. The young prospect is expected to get a shot at one of the open spots left by Polanco and Suárez. But even if Emerson steps up, there’s still room for a veteran bat - especially one with Murakami’s ceiling.
It’s a classic Mariners conundrum: how to balance long-term planning with the urgency of competing now. Murakami could be a bridge between both - a 25-year-old with star potential who fits the team’s timeline. But only if the price is right.
For now, Seattle is staying patient. But if the market shifts, don’t be surprised if the Mariners make a late push. The opportunity to add a slugger like Murakami without breaking the bank might be too good to pass up.