Chicago Cubs “could consider” third baseman during 2025 Winter Meetings

The Chicago Cubs are in a position where they are looking at different avenues to improve the roster. With the 2025 Winter Meetings going on, there is the possibility of player movement happening soon. While the Cubs have been linked to many different players, one name that is gaining traction is happening. However, if he were to sign with the Chicago Cubs, there is a bit of a deadline approaching as well. Let’s take a closer look at who it is and what the deadline is.

The Chicago Cubs “could consider” Munetaka Murakami

Bruce Levine, a baseball analyst for WSCR-AM and 670 The Score, discussed on the Marquee Sports Network how the Chicago Cubs are considering Munetaka Murakami this offseason.

“While [Tatsuya] Imai is the jewel of this year’s foreign player class, Japanese third baseman Munetaka Murakami is a power hitter whom the Cubs could consider if [Alex] Bregman talks stall. The slugging left-handed hitter has 30-plus-homer power, but some clubs are concerned about the 25-year-old’s drop in overall extra-base hits, from a high of 78 in 2022 to just 34 last season. Defense isn’t Murakami’s strength, nor does he possess top-flight speed. Left-handed power hitters must adjust at Wrigley Field and use the gap-to-gap power alleys to succeed… The Cubs’ international scouts have taken a deep dive into all three [of Imai, Murakami, and Kazuma Okamoto].”

If Chicago, or any team, were to sign Murakami, the deadline is quickly approaching. He has until 5 pm ET on Dec. 22 to be signed otherwise his posting window will expire and return to the Tokyo Yakult Swallows. The four-time All-Star and two-time Central League Most Valuable Player has drawn interest and this posting has been in the works for months.

A move of this magnitude could also mean that the Cubs are going to move on from other players currently on the roster. One name that has been rumored to be in discussions is third baseman Matt Shaw. If the Chicago Cubs land Murakami, could Shaw be traded for pitching? It will be interesting to follow as Jed Hoyer spoke on Monday during the 2025 Winter Meetings regarding Shaw as well.

“I’ve been surprised by the number of media reports that link us to different guys. There is zero lack of confidence in Matt. I would say the opposite.”

It is going to be intriguing to see what the Chicago Cubs have in store to improve the roster.

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