The Seattle Mariners might need a third baseman for next season.
If they don't bring back Eugenio Suarez, there's an opening. It could get filled in free agency in a major way.
The Mariners are viewed by MLB.com's Mark Feinsand as one of three best fits for Japanese superstar Munetaka Murakami, who would slot in at third base.
Seattle won't be in a simple battle for his signature, though. Feinsand's two other best fits? The Dodgers and Yankees.
"Murakami has what one scout called 'legit power,' belting 246 home runs over eight seasons, including a 56-homer campaign in 2022 that broke Sadaharu Oh’s 58-year-old record for homers by a Japanese-born player," Feinsand writes. "Murakami is expected to be posted by the Yakult Swallows this winter, becoming the first pure power hitter since Hideki Matsui to make the jump from NPB to the Majors."
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Anyone who can break an Oh record is notable, for sure.
Murakami isn't sure to have his overall hitting ability translate, as he's not viewed as the purest hitter, but he's got some of the best power in baseball.
The Mariners, if Suarez leaves, are looking a tad light at third base. Ben Williamson is a fine option, but Murakami would be a better one.
Seattle has obviously had success in the past with Japanese players, and Ichiro Suzuki is still around the ballclub every day, which could be a selling point.
The Mariners were also within a game of making it to the World Series this season. That wouldn't be a bad thing to sell, either.
Murakami could be the guy that finally gets Seattle to its first Fall Classic.
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