Munetaka Murakami Yankees report sounds promising for New York

Munetaka Murakami Yankees report sounds promising for New York originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Among the top free agents in the world this winter, Japanese slugger Munetaka Murakami sits at the top of that list. Murakami is only 25 years old and has massive power in his left-handed bat, showing that off in Japan with 265 home runs throughout his NPB career.

With the New York Yankees always looking to be in the mix for international talent, as well as trying to compete with the best teams in the world by spending money and acquiring players of his caliber, there’s reason to believe he could be a great fit in New York.

According to Kiley McDaniel of ESPN, because the Yankees have a long history of valuing exit velocity and power, Murakami is someone who makes sense for them in these rumors.

“The Yankees have a history of highly valuing exit velocity and age when it comes to acquiring players, so they're one of the rumored potential landing spots more because of their expected evaluation of Murakami, rather than needing power in the lineup from a corner position per se.

“The Chicago Cubs make sense, as Murakami would join an influx of young hitters (Matt Shaw, Moises Ballesteros, Owen Caissie, Kevin Alcantara, Jonathon Long), while others either just entered free agency (Kyle Tucker) or are set to after next season (Ian Happ, Seiya Suzuki, Nico Hoerner). The Giants also make some sense, the Houston Astros could be a fit if they move Christian Walker's contract and the Toronto Blue Jays (if they don't land Tucker) could also be a landing spot,” he wrote.

As McDaniel touched on, many other teams could be interested, so the Yankees will need to have a competitive offer if they want him.

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