It feels like the Mets can’t stay out of the limelight when it comes to big-name pursuits. Remember, last offseason, we witnessed history with the Juan Soto sweepstakes, and now it looks like we could be gearing up for another blockbuster chase, if the rumors are true. But before anything happens, the Mets have to figure out what they’re doing with Pete Alonso. Well, it’s no secret that Alonso wants to test his market value again.

So, if the Mets can’t lock him down, the Dodgers might end up playing a role in shaping what comes next. Especially if it clears the path for New York’s new first baseman, reportedly making the jump from Japan to the big leagues for the first time.

“The Mets will be in on Munetaka Murakami, especially if Pete Alonso leaves,” SleeperMets quoted MetCastPod.

Notably, whenever a star player comes over from Japan, it usually means the Dodgers are involved. From Yoshinobu Yamamoto to Shohei Ohtani and now Roki Sasaki, Los Angeles has become the go-to destination for Japan’s biggest baseball names. We also saw just how deep that connection runs during the 2025 Tokyo Series!

And now, it looks like Munetaka Murakami, Japan’s latest hitting sensation, could be next in line to join them. According to Bleacher Report’s Kerry Miller, “There’s a good chance he’ll immediately sign for north of $200 million. And probably with the Dodgers, much to the chagrin of most.”

So why all the hype around Murakami?

Well, his numbers speak for themselves… 247 HRs in Japan, a better pace than Shohei Ohtani over the same stretch. Moreover, he shattered the NPB single-season home run record with 56 in 2022 at just 22 years old. He even won the Triple Crown that year, becoming the youngest player ever to do so.

With that kind of resume, it’s no surprise MLB teams are lining up, but the Dodgers won’t have an easy path this time. The Mets are reportedly in the mix, too. Team president David Stearns even made a trip to Japan earlier this year to scout Murakami in person. And with owner Steve Cohen’s deep pockets, New York could make a serious push, but only if Pete Alonso walks in free agency after the Mets decide not to meet his asking price.

The Mets are still in the middle with Alonso

Remember last offseason, Pete Alonso had a tough time finding a team. He eventually re-signed with the Mets at the last minute, agreeing to a two-year, $54 million deal in February that included an opt-out after the first season. And this year, he made the most of it, playing all 162 games for the second straight season. Result? A career-best .272 average with 38 HRs, 41 doubles, and 126 RBIs.

However, according to the New York Post, the 30-year-old slugger is now seeking a long-term commitment, with at least 7 years on his next deal. And it’s easy to see why. He’s coming off a much stronger season than the one that left teams hesitant last winter, when he’d just posted career lows of 34 home runs and 88 RBIs.

Moreover, over his seven-year career, Alonso’s consistency and power numbers make a strong case for his deserving more security this time around.

But here’s the catch…

The Mets haven’t decided whether they’re ready to make that kind of commitment. There’s some hesitation about giving a lengthy deal to a 30-year-old first baseman who’s only average defensively (DRS: -10.2 and OAA: -9). So now, the Mets face a tough call!!!

Stick with their proven veteran or take a gamble on an untested but exciting international star.