New York Mets President of Baseball Operations David Stearns was at Meiji Jingu Stadium tonight to watch Munetaka Murakami, the slugging star for the Tokyo Yakult Swallows.
Stearns’ presence at the game is a clear sign the Mets are taking a close look at one of Japan’s top hitters. Teams routinely send executives, scouts and analysts to evaluate NPB talent in person — especially players who could be candidates to move to MLB through the posting system or free agency in the future. Murakami is widely regarded as a powerful run producer in Japan, and an in-person visit from a club president suggests the Mets view him as a player worth deeper evaluation.
What this could mean
– Scouting visit: An appearance by a high-level executive like Stearns usually means the team is conducting advanced due diligence — not just a cursory look. That can include assessing bat speed, approach, feel for the ball, defensive ability and how a player might fit into an MLB roster.
– No guarantees: A visit does not equal an imminent signing. There are many steps — contractual situations in NPB, posting timelines, medicals, negotiations and roster considerations — before a player moves to MLB.
– Strategic interest: For the Mets, scouting Murakami fits with a broader strategy of targeting top international talent to strengthen their lineup and maintain long-term competitiveness.
Additional comment
Fans should view the visit as encouraging but cautious news. It signals interest and seriousness from the Mets, but patience is required — international moves often take months of negotiation and evaluation. For Mets supporters, the prospect of adding a proven power hitter from Japan is an exciting possibility that could pay dividends if the two sides align.
Brief summary
David Stearns attended tonight’s game at Meiji Jingu to watch Munetaka Murakami, indicating the Mets are actively scouting one of Japan’s premier hitters. The visit signals interest but does not guarantee any immediate transaction.
Hopeful angle
If the scouting leads to a successful pursuit, Murakami could provide a significant offensive boost and add international star power to the Mets’ lineup — a potentially exciting development for the team and its fans.