The Seattle Mariners, after making the ALDS, are looking to spend this winter. While they've been linked to a few top options, after their Josh Naylor signing, the Mariners have yet to land a big-name free agent.
With Jorge Polanco signing with the New York Mets, the Mariners are clearly in the market for a third baseman and designated hitter. That makes Japanese slugger Munetaka Murakami a clear fit in Seattle.
However, as David Schoenfield of ESPN notes, there is likely a barrier between Murakami and the Mariners. That barrier is in the form of a $100 million contract, and could be what stops the Mariners from making a push for the Japanese slugger.
Mariners' Munetaka Murakami rumor reveals potential $100 million barrier
"They've been mentioned in trade rumors for Brendan Donovan and Ketel Marte." Schoenfield writes. "But what about keeping their prospects and just signing Murakami to play third base and DH? The Mariners might not want to add another strikeout-prone hitter, but if the bidding for Murakami does fall below nine figures, maybe they get in the mix."
Seattle is not likely to spend big on another free agent on a nine-figure ($100 million) contract. But if Murakami's market falls below that total, then the Mariners might get involved, according to Schoenfield.
There's no guarantee that the $100 million barrier is the real reason that the Mariners wouldn't be going after Murakami this winter, but it does represent how they might perceive his free agency.
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If the market doesn't raise Murakami's projected contract, then the Mariners might become more serious players for the third baseman and designated hitter this winter.
Colt Emerson is likely to take over one of the infield spots left open after the departures of Polanco and Eugenio Suarez. While Suarez is yet to sign, the Mariners might not end up signing the fan favorite slugger.
Murakami is in a similar vein, as someone who has incredible slugging potential but struggles with strikeouts. Seattle might not want to spend big on such a player, but as Schonefield points out, a weak market might open the Mariners to his market.
For now, the Mariners might not be investing in Murakami this winter, but if the free agent market, with a deadline of December 22nd, is very cool, they could swoop in with an eight-figure contract offer and add the 25-year-old on a discount.
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