Overview
- MLB’s official site published a feature by Nov. 17 calling Murakami’s power off the charts and citing a top exit velocity around 187 km/h, while noting strikeouts as a concern.
- The evaluation likened his offensive profile to recent MLB home run leaders such as Kyle Schwarber and Cal Raleigh.
- Murakami is pursuing a move to the majors through NPB’s posting system, which would allow him to negotiate with MLB clubs.
- Interest has sharpened in the United States following leaguewide discussions at the recent GM meetings about Japanese players.
- Reports link the Mariners as highly interested and note Padres attention in the broader market, with no MLB agreement for Murakami reported as of Nov. 18.