Memo to MLB’s big spenders: open those wallets.
Munetaka Murakami will be inducted Friday, opening the 45-day window for MLB teams to negotiate with the Japanese star third baseman, The Post’s Joel Sherman confirmed.
The 25-year-old is expected to have a heavy market this winter, with the Mets likely among those interested in the slugger who hit 246 home runs in eight seasons in Nippon Professional Baseball, including a record 56 in 2022.
He hit 22 long balls in 56 games while dealing with an oblique injury this past season with the Yakult Swallows, slashing .273/.379/.663.
Murakami’s power is more than enough to generate interest despite a high strikeout rate.
Mets general manager David Stearns traveled to Japan last summer to see him in action.
With first baseman Pete Alonso about to hit free agency — this time unencumbered by a qualifying offer — the Mets could look to Murakami, who can also play first, as a potential replacement.
The Mets have been players in the recent crop of Japanese stars coming to the United States after offering pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto the same 12-year, $325 million deal he got with the Dodgers. They were also in the mix for phenom Roki Sasaki, who also ended up in Los Angeles.
They signed Kodai Senga to a five-year, $75 million pact before the 2023 season.
Unlike Sasaki, however, Murakami is not considered an amateur and can request free agent money – which is expected to reach nine figures – before his December 5 deadline.
He likely won’t be the only one headed to the U.S., with Yomiuri Giants star Kazuma Okamoto and Seibu Lions pitcher Tatsuya Imai also expected to be posted, according to The Post’s Jon Heyman.
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