The New York Yankees could be in the international market yet again next offseason.
Though they have a hefty six-game lead in the American League East entering Monday’s slate of games, there’s always an eye on the offseason.
As they continue to search for an improvement on the hot corner, Jim Bowden of The Athletic connected them as a potential landing spot for Japanese star Munetaka Murakami of the Tokyo Yakult Swallows of the NPB.
“Murakami profiles as a .240 to .260 type hitter in MLB with legitimate 30-home run power. Defensively, he’s below average at third base and adequate at first base. He’s also played some left field this season for the first time in his career. Teams such as the Yankees, Red Sox, Tigers (if they’re OK with him at third base), Mariners, Rangers and Padres should be interested in Murakami if he becomes a free agent,” Bowden wrote.
The Yankees don’t have a long-term plan for the third base position. Some may consider top prospect George Lombard Jr. there in the future, but that’s assuming Anthony Volpe will continue to hold down the shortstop role.
Meanwhile, DJ LeMahieu is still under contract through the 2026 season, and Oswaldo Cabrera will be coming off his devastating season-ending ankle injury.
The offseason is still months away, but Murakami’s name is one to keep an eye on for the Yankees.
