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Munetaka Murakami reportedly eyeing New York Yankees, west coast

By David Hill

Aug 7, 2021; Yokohama, Japan; Team Japan infielder Munetaka Murakami (55) hits a solo home run against USA during the third inning in the baseball gold medal match during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Yokohama Baseball Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Yukihito Taguchi-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 7, 2021; Yokohama, Japan; Team Japan infielder Munetaka Murakami (55) hits a solo home run against USA during the third inning in the baseball gold medal match during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Yokohama Baseball Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Yukihito Taguchi-USA TODAY Sports /
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Munetaka Murakami is not set to be posted for another three years, but he already knows where he wants to play.

Murakami had been interviewed in Japan and was naturally asked where he wanted to play. According to Yakyu Cosmopolitan, Murakami said that he would ideally play for a team on the west coast. However, he also mentioned that he would be interested in joining the New York Yankees.

New York Yankees could be perfect fit for Munetaka Murakami

The timing could be perfect for the Yankees. Anthony Rizzo is signed to a two year deal, but also has a team option for $17 million for the 2025 season. As Murakami will not be posted until the 2025-26 offseason, Rizzo could hold down the fort until he is made available to come stateside.

Murakami may only be 23 years old but he has already built an impressive resume in Nippon Professional Baseball. He holds the NPB record for most homers in a season by a Japanese born player, is a two time defending MVP – his second one being the first unanimous MVP in the Central League since Sadaharu Oh in 1977, and won the Triple Crown last season.

Considering Murakami’s youth, it is possible that he is just beginning to show his ability. That has to be a frightening thought for NPB pitchers as he posted a .318/.458/.711 batting line with 56 homers and 21 doubles while stealing 12 bases. While his speed is likely to decrease, that impressive power and his ability to get on base are certainly going to generate attention once he is posted.

He could be an ideal fit for the Yankees aside from the timeline on Rizzo’s deal. Murakami is a left handed hitter and has demonstrated most of his power on the pull side, making the short porch in right ideal for his swing. If he does end up on the Yankees, he could be a major league star in short order.

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Munetaka Murakami is already looking at specific teams for his MLB career. If he does not end up on the west coast, he wants to be part of the New York Yankees.

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