If you go to the Major League, you can only play DH, the monster hitter Murakami Middle School, the first outfield training since middle school, but I want to continue playing as a third baseman
Feb 15, 2025
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It wasn't a sudden outfield defense. He practiced outfield defense from Miyazaki's second-tier camp. Murakami injured his toe after being hit by a ball he hit in October last year. After surgery, rehabilitation, and training, he left the second-tier camp. He joined Okinawa's first-team camp on the 13th.
Slugger, a three-time home run king before turning 25. Murakami's main position is a third baseman with a concentration of sluggers. From 2019 to 2020, he mainly played as a first baseman and then settled down as a third baseman. He played around 140 games as third baseman every season for four years until last year. Last season, he played in 141 games as a third baseman. Sometimes he enters the first base, but he was a built-in third baseman.
There is a reason why I went out to the outfield. Director Takatsu Shingo (57) ordered it. It is said that he has already ordered outfield defensive training in September last year. Coach Takatsu said, `I still don't think I like it very much, but it can be an option for the team as a whole", he explained.
If Murakami is able to defend the outfield, the range of infielders will be expanded. It helps increase scoring ability. Japanese media said Eigoro Mosquito (31), an infield utility resource, could be used as a third baseman. Mosquito, who was released as a free agent from the Rakuten Eagles, moved to Yakult in December last year.
The fourth batter is told to train in the outfield for his main position, but he can't be happy. Yakult's face is understandable because he has pride as a star player. It follows the coach's instructions, but he still seems to think that his main job is third baseman.
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Murakami is not a third baseman with excellent defense. He made the most mistakes at third base for three consecutive years from 2021 to 2023. Last season, he had 15.
It is an outfield training that is drawing more attention as it is set to challenge the Major League. It is difficult to establish itself as the main third baseman in the Major League with his current defensive ability. Some experts coolly evaluate that he will have no choice but to play as a designated hitter in the Major League. Even if it is difficult to increase the defense ability of the outfield right now, it can be helpful if the outfielder is available.
Kazuma Okamoto (29), the fourth batter of the Yomiuri Giants, is also playing multiple positions at home and abroad. He sometimes plays as an outfielder while watching the first and third basemen. Go back and forth in three positions according to the team situation. Okamoto gave up third base to junior Murakami in the 2023 World Baseball Classic (WBC) Japanese national team and played first base. He also played in left field.
From Yakult's point of view, 'post Murakami' should be prepared. Murakami is in the final season of his three-year contract this year. I'm going to Major League Baseball through the posting system next year when I turn 26.
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Reporter Min Chang-ki huelva@sportschosun.com
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
