Angels Potential Target – Munetaka Murakami

If the Los Angeles Angels are serious about upgrading third base with a big bat, then Japanese slugger Munetaka Murakami deserves a spot near the top of their list. The left handed hitter from the Tokyo Yakult Swallows is for sure worth checking out.

Murakami (born February 2, 2000) is listed at 188 cm / 97 kg and bats left. On Baseball-Reference, his NPB register shows 2022 as an elite season: in 141 games he hit .318/.458/.710, with 56 home runs and 134 RBIs. That kind of power output puts him in a rare class among international hitters.

For us, Murakami brings a potent power bat and corner infield versatility both appealing attributes as they hunt for third base help. He’d give us a left-handed swing that can change a game with one hit.

However, the transition from NPB to MLB isn’t seamless. Scouts flag concerns about his contact rates and adjustment to major-league pitching. That means if we sign him, they’ll need to pair him with supporting cast and structure the roster to help him succeed.

Murakami is young (still 25), which is an upside. The posting window allowing him to move to MLB makes him available sooner rather than later. On the flip side, acquiring him will be expensive in terms of posting fee + contract and we will need to decide whether they’re ready to invest big now.

Positional fit matters, too. If he comes in at third, that may shift other players or defensive alignments. We must weigh this, is this the difference-maker signing that elevates them, or is it a high-risk investment?

Murakami offers one of the most exciting bats available internationally. If the Angels want to make a statement at third base, he could be the guy. The real question: is LA prepared for the leap financially, defensively, and roster-wise? If the answer is yes, Murakami may be that transformational piece they’ve been seeking.