But could the Red Sox find a solution to that issue in the free agent market in the offseason?
Former MLB general manager turned analyst Jim Bowden believes there’s an answer for the Red Sox out there in Japanese power-hitting corner infielder/outfielder Munetaka Murakami.
Bowden noted reports out of Japan suggest the 25-year-old Murakami could leave Nippon Professional Baseball following this season and be ready to make his MLB debut in 2026. Murakami’s elite power is eye-catching, especially when looking at his 2022 campaign when he won the Triple Crown by batting a career-best .318 with 56 home runs — a NPB single-season record — and 134 RBIs.
That wasn’t just a flash in the pan season from Murakami, either. The left-handed slugger has belted at least 30 home runs in four straight seasons.
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Murakami figures to be commanding a lot of attention if he hits MLB’s open market and Bowden sees the Red Sox being in the mix for him.
“Murakami profiles as a .240 to .260 type hitter in MLB with legitimate 30-home run power,” Bowden wrote. “Defensively, he’s below average at third base and adequate at first base. He’s also played some left field this season for the first time in his career. Teams such as the Yankees, Red Sox, Tigers (if they’re OK with him at third base), Mariners, Rangers and Padres should be interested in Murakami if he becomes a free agent.”
The Red Sox could plug Murakami in at multiple spots next season. Alex Bregman has an opt-out in his contract so he could potentially say goodbye to Boston after one year and it’s unclear when Casas will be ready to return after rupturing his patellar tendon. If Bregman leaves, the Red Sox could move Devers back to third base and put Murakami at designated hitter as well.
Regardless of where they would play him, it would be worth it to have a hitter like Murakami in the Red Sox lineup next season.
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