The timeline for Munetaka Murakami's free agency is getting clearer.
The final MLB team destination for the Japanese superstar? That's still very much a mystery.
Murakami was posted officially earlier this offseason, and now the NPB slugger awaits his new home stateside.
"Munetaka Murakami is more likely to sign in the period between the meetings and holidays," wrote ESPN's Jeff Passan on Friday.
That timeline could allow for a bit more clarity on where Murakami may end up.
Right now, there's a thought that Kyle Schwarber's free agency may move with at least some pace. If Schwarber signed at the Winter Meetings, that would take one left-handed slugger off the table.
That would push Murakami into the spotlight as a potential alternative for a team that didn't get Schwarber.
They're not exactly the same player. Schwarber is DH-only, while Murakami can play third base or first base.
But in terms of lineup role, they have a lot of similarities.
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Murakami holds the NPB record for single-season home runs by a Japanese-born player, with 56.
One of the most popularly rumored landing spots for Murakami is the Seattle Mariners, who have a positive history with Japanese players and also need a third baseman if Eugenio Suarez does indeed leave in free agency.
For now, though, MLB likely waits another 10-20 days before Murakami signs.
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