SF Giants reportedly expected to be the mix for soon-to-be-posted NPB slugger

Could the SF Giants make a big splash this winter by adding a slugger from the Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) league? According to Mark Feinsand of MLB.Com, the SF Giants could be in the mix for slugging corner infielder Munetaka Murakami.

SF Giants reportedly expected to be the mix for soon-to-be-posted NPB slugger

Feinsand reports that the New York Yankees, New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies, and Seattle Mariners are expected to be strong suitors for Murakami. On the the hand, the Giants, along with the Los Angeles Dodgers and Boston Red Sox, could show interest that will depend on how they view where he could fit on the field.

Murakami is coming off another strong season in the NPB. With the Yakult Swallows, he slashed .286/.392/.659 with 24 home runs, 52 RBI, and 63 runs in 263 plate appearances. This includes an excellent 14.4 percent walk rate, but a rather high 26.9 percent strikeout rate. He does offset the high strikeout rate with incredible power, as he has reached at least 20 home runs in seven straight seasons.

While Murakami put up solid numbers, the Swallows struggled to a 57-79 record while finishing in last place in the NPB. As Feinsand notes, the Swallows are expected to post Murakami this winter.

That would open up a 30-day window for the 25-year-old hitter to negotiate with interested teams. If he agrees to a deal, then the team that signs him would owe Yakult a posting fee. That fee varies and depends on the size of the contract.

The Giants may do their due diligence on Murakami, but it is hard to envision him being a legitimate fit. He has spent the bulk of his NPB career at third base, but has some experience at first base as well.

The Giants already have coverage at those positions, with Matt Chapman at third base and Rafael Devers at first base. Bryce Eldridge is also looming, and the Giants plan on Eldridge and Devers splitting time at first base and DH. That would leave little room to add another corner infielder, especially one who hits from the left side.

That said, Murakami has the type of power that the Giants need. It is a fun idea, but would require a sizable deletion from the roster to make the fit realistic.