David Stearns is racking up the miles in search of 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 be headed to MLB this offseason.
Murakami, 25, has eclipsed 30 homers five times in the past 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 in search of talent.
Last season, he traveled to Japan to watch right-hander Roki Sasaki, who ultimately signed with the Dodgers last winter.
Stearns said that visit was as much to show 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 visit with Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
The free agent pitcher also ultimately signed with the Dodgers.
Tylor Megill threw 41 pitches over 1 ²/₃ innings for Double-A Binghamton in his first minor league rehab start since he was placed on the injured list in June with right elbow inflammation.
Megill allowed three hits with four strikeouts and one walk.
Former Mets pitcher Carlos Carrasco is scheduled Wednesday for his first appearance at Citi Field since leaving the club following the 2023 season.
The 38-year-old Carrasco, who was released by the Yankees this season, has pitched to mixed results in his two starts with the Braves.
The right-hander most recently surrendered six earned runs over 5 ²/₃ innings against the Marlins.
Juan Soto, who went 1-or-4 with a walk in the Mets’ 13-5 win over the Braves on Tuesday night, has reached base in each of the 10 Mets games in August.
Soto is 11-for-39 (.282) with three homers over that stretch.