The Seattle Mariners advanced to the 2025 American League Championship Series, coming up just short of a World Series appearance. After the season, they achieved their top priority by bringing back Josh Naylor on a five-year, $92.5 million contract.
However, with the offseason progressing and the Winter Meetings nearing, the Mariners still have roster needs to address if they hope to return to the ALCS. Free agents Jorge Polanco and Eugenio Suárez remain unsigned.
According to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand, there may be another path forward. In his list of ideal free-agent matches for each MLB club, he identified Japanese power hitter Munetaka Murakami as a strong potential fit for Seattle.
“The Mariners have had some success with Japanese players during the past 25 years, though most — aside from Ichiro Suzuki, of course — have been pitchers. Murakami is the most notable power hitter to come from NPB since Hideki Matsui in 2003, and with Eugenio Suárez likely to depart as a free agent, Seattle has a vacancy to fill at third base,” Feinsand wrote.
The 25-year-old slugger hit .286/.392/.659 with 24 home runs, 52 RBI and a 1.051 OPS in 69 games this season. Suarez is highly unlikely to return to Seattle, but with that, Seattle has an opening at third base and could use Murakami in that spot.
Seattle does have options in Colt Emerson, Cole Young and Ben Williamson, so they might ultimately choose to go with what they have internally, but Murakami would give them exactly what they need, if they are willing to spend more money in free agency.
He provides power from the left side of the plate and can play both first base and third base, but with Naylor back, third base would be his ideal spot.
The Mariners have proven that they are more than willing to build a championship contender and have their sights set on the World Series in 2026. If Murakami is added, the lineup would receive an instant boost and the Mariners could potentially be favorites to make a run to the Fall Classic next season.
While Seattle has options, it might be tempting for them to go out and acquire another big bat to boost their lineup.
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