Las Vegas (Nevada, USA) 13th (Japan time 14th) = Shikamae] MLB's GM (General Manager) meeting has ended. Negotiations for Yakult infielder Munetaka Murakami (25), who aims to make a major transfer under the posting system, are expected to begin in earnest next week. In addition to the Phillies and Mariners, several teams aiming to reinforce first base and DH have shown strong interest, and fierce attacks and defenses are likely to unfold until the negotiation deadline of December 22 (the same 23rd).
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Movements around Japan's top long-range artillery began to proceed quietly under the surface of the water. Although it has not surfaced at the moment, after the 18th (the same 19th), which is also the deadline for responding to the qualifying offer (QO) presented to powerful FA players, all players may appear in the market, and negotiations between each team and Murakami will be accelerated at once. It is expected to do. It is believed that very few of the 13 players who received the QO of the one-year contract accepted the offer, and after the 19th, the FA market will be practically "opened".
Several teams have already started approaches to Murakami, who have completed the official application for posting on the 8th. Among them, the Phillies, who have won the Na League East District twice in a row and have advanced to the postseason for the fourth consecutive year, are sending a hot gaze. It is certain that DH's Schwaber will reject QO, and if he transfers to another team, it will be vacant. Murakami is the best piece, including the plan to use first base Harper in DH. After the GM meeting, Dombrosky, the head of the organization headquarters, said, "I haven't been to Japan this year, but I sent a lot of staff and scouts," and revealed the situation after completing the detailed investigation.
The enthusiasm of the Mariners, who have already allowed contact with the Murakami side, is not inferior to the Fu army. While proceeding with the stay negotiations with the first baseman Nailer, who became the FA, the departure of third base Suarres is strong, and the attitude of thoroughly marking Murakami, who has a wide range of the method of "first base, third base, DH" has not changed. In the past few decades, the pipe with the Japanese baseball world has been thick, and the presence of Mr. Ichiro, a special advisor to the chairman, is likely to be a great strength in the final phase of the battle.
In addition, the Mets, whose trend of first base Alonso, who became the free agent, is uncertain, and the Blue Jays, who are promoting the reinforcement of the infield, are expected to participate. Each team is well-funded, and it is a strong player who always participates in the post-season competition, and it seems that Murakami will have an attractive team.
