Japanese Star Munetaka Murakami Posts for MLB Consideration
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Japanese star third baseman Munetaka Murakami is officially entering the MLB posting system, marking a significant moment in what is expected to be one of the most exciting free agency periods this winter.
According to ESPN, Murakami's posting period began at 8 a.m. ET on November 8 and will last for 45 days, ending at 5 p.m. on December 22. This comes after he established himself as a dominant power hitter in Nippon Professional Baseball, hitting a record 56 home runs in 2022, surpassing the long-standing mark set by Sadaharu Oh.
Over his eight seasons with the Tokyo Yakult Swallows, Murakami has amassed 246 home runs, showcasing his exceptional slugging ability. Despite facing an oblique injury that limited him to just 56 games in the 2025 season, he still managed to hit 22 home runs, with an impressive slash line of .273/.379/.663.
His ability to draw walks is notable, boasting a walk rate exceeding 16%, but there are concerns regarding his strikeout rate, which has hovered around 26% in recent years, raising questions about how this might translate against MLB pitching, where strikeout rates are typically higher.
MLB Trade Rumors highlights that Murakami is now considered a professional under MLB's international free agency rules, allowing him to negotiate freely with all 30 teams. The interest in Murakami is widespread, with teams such as the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, Seattle Mariners, and Philadelphia Phillies reportedly in pursuit.
The financial implications of signing Murakami are significant; the team that secures him will need to pay a posting fee based on his contract, which could easily reach at least $16.9 million given his expected nine-figure deal.
His defensive position remains a topic of discussion, as Murakami has primarily played third base but has also seen time at first base and even in the outfield. With teams like the Dodgers, who have a strong presence of Japanese stars like Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, being considered potential fits, there's debate about where Murakami would fit within their roster, especially with established players already in key positions.
The Red Sox could be a natural fit, particularly if they lose Alex Bregman to free agency, while other analysts note that the Mariners might have an edge in signing him. Murakami's profile as the 'Japanese Babe Ruth' underscores the excitement surrounding his potential arrival in MLB, and as the deadline approaches, the competitive landscape for his services is expected to intensify.