Part 4/13:
Despite his bat, Murakami presents challenges at the MLB level. Primarily, his defensive capabilities at first base are subpar — so much so that he would likely be limited to being a designated hitter (DH) or a pinch-hitter. His frame and swing also result in a high strikeout rate, with recent seasons witnessing upwards of 180 strikeouts in 143 games. These strikeouts, while common among power hitters, raise questions about his adaptability to MLB pitching.