MLB insider proposes Red Sox as a top spot for two-time NPB MVP, four-time NPB All-Star to potentially replace Alex Bregman originally appeared on The Sporting News

The Boston Red Sox finally made a couple splashes last offseason after years of doing nothing by trading for Garrett Crochet and signing Alex Bregman. By doing so, insiders believe the Sox have finally broke the dam when it comes to getting superstars.

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MLB insider Jon Heyman is one of those people, as he believes the Sox could be a top landing spot for Japanese superstar Munetaka Murakami.

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This would be more viable if current All-Star third baseman Alex Bregman walks, as he has not re-signed with the Red Sox, and can walk after this season. If he does, Murakami could slide right in. Especially due to some mind-blowing stats and a cavalcade of accolades.

In the NPB, Murakami has been a monster. This season, he’s hitting .267 with nine home runs in 16 games. In 2024, he hit .244 with 33 homers in 143 games. In his best season ever in 2022, he hit .318 with 56 home runs in 141 games.

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Murakami also has a ton of accolades. The 25-year-old infielder has won the Triple Crown, was the NPB Central League MVP in 2021 and 2022, and won Interleague MVP in 2022 as well. He’s a four-time NPB All-Star, and a Japan Series Champion.

Even if Bregman re-signs, the Sox should go all-in on Murakami, as he set to be posted in the MLB this offseason. He could be shifted to first base as he also plays there, and the Sox could finally move on from the injury-prone Triston Casas. And being 25-years-old, he could be helping Boston make championship runs for a very long time.

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