Munetaka Murakami

If Murakami had been able to come to MLB after his age-22 season back in 2022, the story would be different. That year, he hit 56 homers while slashing .318/.458/.710, winning a Triple Crown and an MVP award. He also struck out 20.9% of the time, slightly worse than the NPB average but a very tolerable mark. Since then, he's struck out at least 28% of the time for three straight seasons and has topped out at a more modest 33 homers. He's also dealt with multiple injuries, limiting him to 56 games last year. Additionally, while he's primarily played third base in Japan, he fits best at first base or DH. It all adds up to one of the widest range of possible outcomes for any player in baseball next season. If he's able to make a passable amount of contact, the power upside could be up there with the best hitters in the league. But given his big struggles with whiffs against NPB pitching, there's every chance he fails to make enough contact to earn everyday at-bats. Read Past Outlooks