Mets’ David Stearns hits road to scout highly touted Japanese slugger

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.