The Seattle Mariners were the first team to make a significant move this offseason, re-signing first baseman Josh Naylor to a huge five-year, $92.5 million contract.
Naylor is back in Seattle for the next five years as their first baseman, filling one of the positions of need for Seattle this offseason.
As Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon of The Athletic note, this signing by the Mariners has a big impact on Seattle's chances of signing free agent Japanese slugger Munetaka Murakami have shifted significantly.
How Mariners' chances of signing Munetaka Murakami shifted after Josh Naylor's signing
"Now, with (Eugenio) Suarez on the open market, the Mariners are again weighing their options." Rosenthal and Sammon write. "An expensive free agent such as Munetaka Murakami would appear a long shot after the commitment to Naylor - and with Emerson, 20, coming up."
The Mariners were in the market for a first and third baseman this offseason, and with both Naylor and Eugenio Suarez as free agents, there was a clear need to add to those two positions.
Colt Emerson is an ascendant Mariners prospect and could be called up soon to fill the third base hole. Add on that Naylor is now signed long-term, and Murakami's best long-term spot would be at designated hitter.
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Seattle doesn't have a clear spot for the superstar Japanese slugger. They had interest, but with Naylor back for five years, and Emerson a big part of the organization going forward, Murakami isn't likely to come to Seattle.
The soon-to-be 26-year-old slugger out of Japan would've been an interesting signing for Seattle. He is coming off an impressive 2025 season, hitting 24 home runs and 52 RBIs in only 69 games played.
He's hit 56 home runs in a single season before, and is one of the more sought-after free agent power hitters this winter.
But, with Naylor and Emerson, the Mariners aren't planning to bring in Murakami despite their initial interest. Seattle has their corner infield spots locked down for the future, leaving little room for Murakami or any corner infielder on the roster.
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