The Toronto Blue Jays may be preparing to pursue Japanese baseball star Munetaka Murakami, who recently declared himself a free agent through MLB’s posting system. The 25-year-old power hitter, a four-time Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) All-Star, is expected to attract significant interest from major league teams, including the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers. However, the Blue Jays are likely to be in the mix as well.

Murakami, who has been heavily scouted by the Blue Jays in recent years, is known for his impressive performance with the Yakult Swallows. He has a career batting average of .270 over 892 games, with 246 home runs and 647 RBIs. In 2022, he became the youngest Japanese player to win the Triple Crown, further increasing his appeal to MLB teams.

The Blue Jays have been active in scouting talent from Japan and the Pacific Rim. They have previously pursued high-profile players like Shohei Ohtani and Roki Sasaki, both of whom ultimately signed with the Dodgers. The team’s efforts to expand its visibility in these regions may enhance their chances of landing Murakami.

Murakami is eligible to sign with MLB teams until December 22. His negotiating window opens on Saturday, and many expect a flurry of activity as teams vie for his services. While the Dodgers are often seen as frontrunners for Japanese stars, their current roster may not necessitate Murakami’s position, which could open the door for other teams.

Blue Jays General Manager Ross Atkins expressed optimism about the team’s appeal to players from the Pacific Rim. He noted that the team’s recent playoff run and exposure during the World Series could positively influence their recruitment efforts. “I think (Toronto) is an attractive destination for the (Pacific Rim),” Atkins said. “It just happens to be six hours further and maybe not as heavily populated as the West Coast of the United States. But I don’t think it’s going to hurt.”

As the Blue Jays finalize their offseason strategy, they are assessing their needs and potential opportunities. Murakami’s offensive capabilities make him an attractive option, but questions remain about his defensive skills, particularly at third base. The team will need to evaluate whether he can outperform current players like Addison Barger and Ernie Clement.

With the offseason underway, the Blue Jays are expected to explore all avenues to strengthen their roster, including the possibility of signing Murakami, who is poised to make a significant impact in Major League Baseball.