David Stearns is racking up the miles seeking talent.
The Mets president of baseball operations was spotted Tuesday in Japan, where he was scouting Munetaka Murakami, a slugging corner infielder for the Tokyo Yakult Swallows who could possibly be headed to MLB this offseason.
Murakami, 25, has eclipsed 30 homers five times previously six seasons.
He’s played only 14 games this season.
A source indicated Stearns planned to scout multiple top players during his visit.
It’s hardly Stearns’ first foray to the Far East seeking talent.
Last season, he traveled to Japan to observe right-hander Roki Sasaki, who ultimately signed with the Dodgers last winter.
Stearns said that visit was as much to point out respect to the player as evaluating his pitching.
In his first offseason heading the Mets front office, Stearns and team owner Steve Cohen traveled to Japan to go to with Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
The free agent pitcher also ultimately signed with the Dodgers.
