Cubs can’t ignore what’s quietly happening with Munetaka Murakami’s free agency

For most of the past two years, Major League Baseball teams circled this offseason with the hope that Munetaka Murakami would be posted. Murakami has, in fact, been posted, but with his window closing on Monday night, his market hasn't exactly unfolded in the way many expected. Creating an opportunity for the Chicago Cubs to sneak into the picture.

The Cubs have been loosely connected to Murakami throughout the offseason, but recently, direct references have been scarce. The Cubs never shy away from the ability to add talent, and while Murakami is not the clear fit for their roster that Alex Bregman might be, considering his age, 25, Chicago likely wouldn't shy away from the bidding if there was an opportunistic deal to be had.

If Munetaka Murakami is forced to take a short-term deal, that may catch the Chicago Cubs' eye.

The Athletic's (subscription required) Will Sammon provided an update on Murakami's market, suggesting that it is being impacted by his struggles against high-velocity pitching. The struggles have soured some teams on the Japanese infielder, who also has question marks surrounding the defensive element of his game. As Sammon suggested, there is a scenario where Murakami takes a short-term deal before his posting window closes on Monday.

Interestingly enough, Sammon makes the connection to Kyle Schwarber. When the Cubs non-tendered Schwarber in 2020, his power profile was undeniable. With some refining to his approach, Schwarber turned into the prolific slugger he is today, fresh off landing a $150 million contract with the Philadelphia Phillies.

As Jed Hoyer has admitted to having with Schwarber, Sammon suggests that if Murakami refines his approach after his signing, that could lead to teams having the same regret in the years ahead.

The concerns over Murakami's struggles against high-velocity pitching are valid. With velocity being the trend for how teams are constructing their pitching staffs, there's reason to believe that Murakami is going to struggle during his initial look at the major league level. But as a scout told ESPN's Jeff Passan, there's no questioning the raw power that his approach has.

With Nico Hoerner, Ian Happ, and Seiya Suzuki among the position players who are free agents next offseason, there is no need to get too wrapped around Murakami's fit on the 2026 roster. If anything, given how the Cubs' roster is currently constructed, they are among the best options to ease him into the adjustment of facing major league pitching. Especially if his arrival is on a short-term deal.