Mets Reportedly Unlikely to Pursue Japanese Sluggers This Winter

The New York Mets know they need to retool their roster this winter in order to avoid missing the playoffs two years in a row and embarrassing themselves once again. However, that process will be easier said than done. There are a plethora of ways in which David Stearns can go about tweaking the team’s roster. The organization is reportedly set on trying to improve its defense as that was a major liability this past season. With that in mind, Will Sammon believes the organization will pass up on both Munetaka Murakami and Kazuma Okamoto this winter. MIAMI, FLORIDA – MARCH 21: Munetaka Murakami #55 of Team Japan throws to first base in the fifth inning against Team USA during the World Baseball Classic Championship at loanDepot park on March 21, 2023 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images) “The Mets’ defense was particularly lacking on the right side of the infield and in the corner outfield spots,” Sammon wrote for The Athletic. “Given the Mets’ defensive ambitions, it’s hard to see New York prioritizing Munetaka Murakami, the 25-year-old corner infielder and star from Japan. Though things may change depending on how markets develop, Kazuma Okamoto, another star from Japan set to make the jump to MLB, doesn’t seem like an immediate, primary target, either.” That’s not to say the Mets wouldn’t appreciate having their bats in the lineup to produce runs, because they certainly would. However, adding offense (aside from possibly bringing back Pete Alonso), appears to be a secondary priority for New York. MIAMI, FLORIDA – MARCH 21: Kazuma Okamoto #25 of Team Japan hits a solo homerun in the bottom of the fourth inning during World Baseball Classic Championship between United States and Japan at loanDepot park on March 21, 2023 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Gene Wang/Getty Images) Murakami and Okamoto could both be on the table for the Los Angeles Dodgers as they continue to add Japanese players to their roster. If the Dodgers spend big on them, it could open the door for the Mets to swoop in on pitching targets that Los Angeles was also pursuing. Passing up on high quality bats is going to be a tough pill to swallow for the Mets as there are a multitude of them available this winter. However, Stearns needs to hold strong with that approach and focus on upgrading the team’s defense. Run prevention is just as important as run production, and the Mets need to take the offseason and improve the former. More MLB: Phillies Predicted to Sign Kyle Schwarber Early in Free Agency