H&J 147 - Full Munetaka Rising
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Munetaka Murakami has become the most talked-about hitter in fantasy baseball this season, rocketing up the rankings despite a 34% strikeout rate and a jaw-dropping 51.9% home run to fly ball rate. Scott Chu of PitcherList doesn't just see a hot streak—he sees a seismic shift in the ceiling for a player once considered a fringe fantasy option. Murakami’s 14 home runs in 150 plate appearances, paired with a 17.5% walk rate and elite power metrics, have redefined what's possible for a hitter with such a volatile profile. Chu warns that this level of performance is unsustainable, but the upside—potentially 40 home runs—is now undeniable. He calls it a 'Kyle Schwarber kind of upside,' and even jokes about trading him for Fernando Tatis Jr. as a 'fun' proposition. The episode reveals that Murakami’s rise isn’t just about power—it’s about a rare combination of elite decision-making and elite power, even if contact is poor. This volatility makes him a high-risk, high-reward streamer, but one whose ceiling has been permanently reset upward. Meanwhile, other risers like Carlos Cortez (28-year-old debutant with all three tools above average) and CJ Abrams (suddenly walking at 8-9%) show that patience and plate discipline can unlock hidden value in under-the-radar players. On the flip side, Fernando Tatis Jr.’s power drought and Trevor Story’s historic slump highlight how quickly fantasy relevance can evaporate when elite tools fail to translate.
Murakami’s 51.9% home run to fly ball rate is unsustainable but signals a new ceiling: 40 home runs is now a realistic target, not a fantasy.
CJ Abrams’ walk rate has jumped to 8-9%, a 50% increase from his career average, unlocking a new level of consistency and upside.
Carlos Cortez, a 28-year-old rookie, is hitting .372 with an 8% strikeout rate and is doing all three things above average: decision-making, contact, and power.
Trevor Story is the worst regular in baseball this season, with only 3 barrels and a 30% strikeout rate—his floor is now lower than expected.
Bo Bichette’s 60% ground ball rate is capping his ceiling; he needs more fly balls to unlock power and become more than a high-average, low-power hitter.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Opening Banter: Backs, Cars, and the Aging Game
Hosts Brett Ford and Scott Chu open with humorous anecdotes about physical ailments—Chu’s back injury and Ford’s shin injury—highlighting the physical toll of everyday life. They joke about the 'princess with the P' syndrome, where minor movements now cause days of downtime. The tone is lighthearted, setting a relatable, conversational mood for the episode.
Tigers Roster Shake-Up: Young, Keith, and the Path to Playing Time
With Gleyber Torres on the IL, Scott Chu discusses the call-up of prospect Jace Young. While Young has struggled with a high strikeout rate and no home runs in 58 games, Chu notes that Colt Keith, Zach McKinstry, and Matt Veerling now have better paths to playing time due to the roster churn. Veerling’s versatility and recent hitting make him a streamer in deeper leagues.
Yankees' Power Hopes: Spencer Jones and the Strikeout Problem
Jason Dominguez’s concussion opens the door for Spencer Jones, the Yankees’ top prospect. Chu is skeptical of Jones’ long-term viability due to a 32.4% strikeout rate in AAA and a 71.1% zone contact rate—worse than any major leaguer this season. He compares Jones to James Wood and O’Neal Cruz, noting that even with walks, the high strikeout rate makes consistency nearly impossible.
Astros' Injury Fallout: Paredes, Matthews, and the New Reality
Carlos Correa’s season-ending ankle injury forces Isak Paredes into the starting third base role. Chu ranks Paredes 20+ spots higher on his list due to guaranteed playing time. Bryce Matthews, though hot, is seen as a short-term option with limited power and high strikeouts. The focus is on Paredes as the real beneficiary of Correa’s absence.
Brewers’ Return: Cheerio and Vaughn’s Impact on the Lineup
Jackson Chirico and Andrew Vaughn return from the IL, strengthening Milwaukee’s lineup. Chu praises Chirico’s hot start—six hits in two games—and sees him as a top 25 hitter. Vaughn, while not on the list yet, is seen as a potential top 40 hitter if he moves up in the batting order. Chu questions the Brewers’ leadoff experiment with Garrett Mitchell, citing his 30% strikeout rate.
“Now it's like, well, now I think your great season for him is 40 home runs, right?”
“You might as well scoop him. You might as well scoop Eldemar Vargas because it could last for a while, right? It won't last all season, but it could last for a while.”
“I'd probably do, I'd mitigate a bunch of that risk right now, right? Maybe even shoot even higher, right?”
Host
Guest
Scott Chu
person
Brett Ford
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Munetaka Murakami
person
Spencer Jones
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CJ Abrams
person
Fernando Tatis Jr.
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Shea Langoliers
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Andrew Vaughn
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Isak Paredes
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Augustin Ramirez
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