The New York Yankees are one of several big spenders expected to make a strong bid for one, if not several, of the Japanese free agents being posted to the MLB free agent markets by their Japanese NPB clubs this winter.
NYY is expected to be one of the suitors for starting pitcher Tatsuya Imai of the Saitama Seibu Lions. They are also expected to be a suitor for utility corner infielder/designated hitter Kauma Okamoto. As The Sporting News’ Dan Treacy reveals, though, a Pinstripes pursuit of Munetaka Murakami is unlikely.
ESPN’s Jeff Passan believes Murakami’s bidders are expected to be the New York Mets, Boston Red Sox, Texas Rangers, Arizona Diamondbacks, and, surprisingly, the Pittsburgh Pirates.
“Munetaka Murakami is the biggest fish on the international market this winter, but he likely isn’t a fit for the Yankees as a poor defender and long-term designated hitter. 29-year-old Kazuma Okamoto, who hit .322 last season in a league lacking offense, could be a cheaper, more sensible option. Okamoto could at the very least platoon with Rice at first base or replace him altogether, and he is also capable of playing third if McMahon isn’t in the lineup,” Treacy wrote.
“While Okamoto won’t command the type of contract Murakami will, the Yankees could still deem him too costly given their other needs.”
The Yankees are one of the interesting cases in international free agency throughout MLB history. In the late 1990s, they misfired on Chiba Lotte Marines starter Hideki Irabu, but nailed their 2002 international signing of outfielder Hideki Matsui. Given how successful the Los Angeles Dodgers have been with the help of international stars, New York has no choice but to at least engage with the market, even if they come up empty.
If the Yankees do score one of the top Japanese names on the market, signing only one of Okamoto or Imai is the likeliest scenario.
If Okamoto could adjust to playing the outfield in the MLB, he’d be a more useful addition relative to the team’s needs.
