Padres could gain leverage as an NPB slugger’s posting window tightens

After their recent signing of Sung Mun Song, could the San Diego Padres get greedy and sign a second asian infielder this winter? It might not be out of the question, as the Padres are still likely looking for their first baseman.

What about Japanese slugger Munetaka Murakami? Murakami is a third-baseman, but projected to land as a long-term first baseman or even DH (a position that San Diego could use some help at). He's known primarily for his bat, which has been one of the better power bats in the NPB for a while now.

Munetaka Murakami posting pressure could create a Padres-friendly market

The lefty hit 56 home runs, a Japanese record, in 2022. He followed that up with 31 in 2023 and 33 in 2024, and last year crushed 24 homers in just 69 total games. There is no question that he is one of the most talented free agent bats on the market.

Murakami was expected to be one of the most coveted free agents this year, but could that be changing? His deadline to sign with an MLB team is Monday, December 22nd, which is quickly approaching. If that deadline passes, Murakami could be forced to return to Japanese baseball. If he wants a bigger payday, however, he'll likely sign with an MLB squad before then.

This opens the door to a potential contract with the Padres. If San Diego is interested in Murakami, they might be able to sign him for cheaper than initially expected, based on the stagnant market so far.

MLB.com's Mark Feinsand wrote that "it's hard to know where things stand for the 25-year-old slugger," saying that his massive strikeout rates are alarming.

He noted the Padres as a team that could benefit from signing Murakami, along with the Red Sox, Cubs, Angels, Diamondbacks, and Pirates.

Feinsand added that while Murakami could go back to Japan next season, "sources don’t believe that scenario will take place."

Red Sox fans seem to have the most excitement about Murakami, although there have no been no particular rumors yet suggesting that is where he will sign.

San Diego might be waiting until the 22nd, when they could swoop in and offer him a contract at the last minute. Depending on how thin his market really is, Murakami might just agree to become a Padre.