Part 6/9:
The Mets and Yankees are reportedly both interested in Murakami, who might command a 5-6 year deal—albeit potentially less than what Yamamoto received. Unlike Sasaki, who came to MLB at 23 and yet to secure a similar monster deal, Murakami’s age and established power profile give him a strong market value.
Brown points out that Murakami’s potential role could be as a first baseman, but he may also contribute at third base or DH. The Mets are seeking to get younger and better defensively, and Murakami’s left-handed power bat fits this mold. Limited defensively at third, he could be a versatile option—either replacing Alonso, or playing another corner spot.