Munetaka Murakami has had quiet foray into major league market

Munetaka Murakami is one of the more intriguing players available in free agency.

The Japanese third baseman is considered to have elite power, with Fangraphs noting that his power could rank between 70 to 80 on the 20 to 80 scouting scale (20 is the lowest and 80 is the highest). However, there are concerns about Murakami's swing and miss profile. He struck out at a 25.8% clip during his time with the Yakult Swallows and struggled against fastballs over 94 MPH. Murakami also walked at an elite 16.2% rate, making him a potential three true outcome player stateside.

There is also the question as to where Murakami would play. His lack of mobility and fringy arm strength at third would likely lead to a move across the diamond or as a designated hitter.

Will Munetaka Murakami be signed before his posting window closes?

Murakami was expected to have a robust market despite those flaws. He will turn 26 years old ahead of spring training, giving him time to develop and adjust to the major league level. He had been projected to receive a contract worth at least $100M, including the posting fee, as teams gambled that his prodigious power would translate stateside.

Instead, Murakami's market has been quiet. Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic speculated that Murakami will not be heading back to Japan, although no one knows which teams are interested in signing him. Likewise, MLB Network's Jon Morosi reported that Murakami's market is tied to third baseman Alex Bregman and shortstop Bo Bichette. The problem is that Murakami cannot wait for offers as his posting window closes at 5:00 PM on Dec. 22.

Murakami would be a fit for several teams. The New York Mets offseason has been defined by the players they have lost and need to add an impact bat to the lineup. The Boston Red Sox need to find an answer at first base. Teams such as the San Diego Padres, Detroit Tigers and Seattle Mariners could be involved in his market as well as they look to add another slugger to the lineup. Any interested team will need to make an offer soon as Murakami is running out of time to come stateside.