Warning bells are sounding around potential Cubs free agent target Munetaka Murakami

Assuming Kyle Tucker walks in free agency, the Chicago Cubs will need to find a way to replace his production heading into 2026. They could roll the dice, relying on a combination of Moises Ballesteros and Owen Caissie, or look to add via free agency or trade.

One of the biggest names of the offseason that could be a fit for Chicago is Japanese slugger Munetaka Murakami, who was posted on Friday and has until Dec. 24 to work out a deal with an MLB team. MLBTR projects an eight-year, $180 million deal for the corner infielder, who will turn 26 in early February.

The appeal is his power. In parts of eight seasons with the Yakult Swallows, Murakami posted a .550 slugging percentage, hitting 265 home runs and 170 doubles in 1,003 games. He could inject some major left-handed power into the middle of a lineup - but his extra-base production translating to the big leagues is no sure thing.

Munetaka Murakami has really struggled against high velocity pitches

Murakami has a lot of swing-and-miss in his game and, while he's primarily been a third baseman in Japan, there doesn't seem to be a lot of faith his skillset would translate to MLB action. He's viewed more as a first base/DH combo, and the upside that comes with his bat will no doubt attract plenty of teams.

One major red flag with the MLB hopeful? His performance against high velocity, something you just don't see in Japan at the same level you do in the U.S.

That's a number that's sure to give at least some executives pause. We're not talking about batting below .100 against upper-90s. That number includes mid-90s, something big league hitters see a lot of over the course of 162 games - and even more so come October.

The fit between Murakami and the Cubs is less than perfect. He'd be a full-time DH in Chicago with another left-handed bat entrenched at first in Michael Busch. That would push Seiya Suzuki back to right field full-time and leave third base open for Matt Shaw, with the hope he builds on a promising rookie showing.

This team has more pressing needs (namely at the top of the rotation) - and given the imperfect fit, Murakami is far more likely to wind up with a team like the Mets, Yankees, Padres or Red Sox than the Cubs.