The New York Yankees are loaded with talent this season, but they’re going to need to make some big moves in the offseason to keep and add more talent.
There’s a chance the Yankees could make a splash on the offseason trade block, but it’s more likely they’ll make big moves in free agency. The Bronx Bombers could add talent in free agency, especially considering the Yankees might lose Cody Bellinger this winter.
Patrick McAvoy of Sports Illustrated recently urged the Yankees to pursue Japanese corner infielder Munetaka Murakami in free agency this winter. It’s unclear if the 25-year-old star will be posted for MLB teams to bid on, but if he is, he’s expected to be quite a hot commodity.
“This one is probably the most unknown. It’s not even clear if Murakami will be posted this offseason, but if so, he would be a phenomenal pickup,” McAvoy wrote. “He’s just 25 years old and has 262 career homers over in Japan in eight seasons. He can play both first and third base.”
There are a lot of question marks surrounding the Yankees this winter. Re-signing Bellinger should be at the top of their priority list, but if Murakami is posted in free agency, signing him might be a close No. 2.
Murakami can play both corner infield spots for the Yankees, and he’s a true middle-of-the-lineup bat. Adding him, right as he’s entering his prime, alongside sluggers like Aaron Judge would give the Yankees a huge boost.
It would also give the Yankees some lineup flexibility with Paul Goldschmidt heading into free agency, too. Ben Rice typically splits time between first base, catcher, and designated hitter. Adding Murakami would allow Rice to catch more, while the Japanese slugger fits into the lineup as a first baseman and third baseman.