"Murakami had some impressive seasons from 2019-2021, but his 2022 season was a historic one. At the age of 22, the third baseman/first baseman slashed .318/.458/.710 with 56 home runs in 612 plate appearances, good enough for a 225 wRC+. He hit an additional 64 home runs in 2023 and 2024, but his numbers declined across the board, especially his batting average, while his K% jumped up drastically. On Friday, Murakami was posted, giving MLB teams 45 days (Dec. 22) to sign him."
"Playing for the Yakult Swallows, Murakami hit the fewest home runs he's hit in his career; granted, he missed time due to injury. Over 56 games, or 224 plate appearances, the third baseman/first baseman slashed .273/.379/.663 with 22 home runs, or just over a home run every 10 plate appearances. One area of concern about the 26-year-old's game is his struggle against pitches 93 mph or harder. In 2025, Murakami batted just .095 against pitches that fit that category,"
The Toronto Blue Jays have lacked a bona fide slugger since the mid-2010s. Munetaka Murakami epitomizes a true slugger and was posted for MLB teams, giving teams 45 days to sign him. Murakami produced historic power in 2022, slashing .318/.458/.710 with 56 home runs and a 225 wRC+. He added 64 home runs across 2023 and 2024 but showed declines in batting average and a rising strikeout rate. In 2025 he missed time due to injury but still hit 22 homers in 56 games, slashing .273/.379/.663. Significant concerns include a low average against pitches 93 mph or harder and a high whiff and strikeout percentage.
Read at BlueJaysNation
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