Munetaka Murakami is officially posted, and the sweepstakes are live, with MLB teams getting a 45‑day window to sign Japan’s lefty slugger before Dec. 22. He’s 25, a two-time Central League MVP, 2022 Triple Crown winner, and the Japanese single-season home run king with 56 bombs that year.

Per several reports, the left-hand hitter is projected to sign an $80 million contract. So, we can expect a deal north of nine figures plus a hefty posting fee, because 246 NPB homers before age 26 will do that. Three clubs stand out as prime fits right now.

3. New York Mets

The New York Mets are hungry for a middle-order star and have the appetite for a nine-figure swing, with interest already reported alongside other big-market players. Murakami fits as a thumper at first, third, or DH, insulating P

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