Japanese Slugger’s Posting Sets Off Bidding War Among MLB Giants
The baseball world is buzzing as
Munetaka Murakami, Japan’s record-shattering home run king, has officially been posted by the Tokyo Yakult Swallows, opening the door for a blockbuster move to Major League Baseball. The 25-year-old phenom, who set the Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) single-season home run record with 56 blasts in 2022, now has a 45-day window to negotiate with MLB teams—a period that promises high drama and fierce competition among baseball’s biggest spenders.
From NPB Legend to MLB’s Hottest Commodity
Murakami’s journey to this moment has been nothing short of spectacular. Since his breakout in 2019, he’s become a two-time Central League MVP and a four-time All-Star, boasting a career .270/.394/.557 slash line with 246 home runs in just 892 games. His 2022 campaign was historic—not only did he break Sadaharu Oh’s long-standing home run record for a Japanese-born player, but he also captured the Triple Crown at just 22, the youngest in league history.
Despite battling injuries in 2025—including an oblique strain and a prior elbow surgery—Murakami still managed to slug 24 home runs in only 69 games, underscoring his prodigious power and resilience.
MLB Teams Line Up: Who Will Win the Murakami Sweepstakes?
With the posting window now open, all 30 MLB teams have been notified and can begin negotiations. The deadline to sign Murakami is December 22; if no deal is reached, he’ll return to the Swallows for the 2026 season.
Several franchises are already rumored to be in hot pursuit. According to Japanese and U.S. media, the
Yankees, Mets, Phillies, Mariners, Dodgers, Giants, and Red Sox are among the frontrunners. The Mets, in particular, have shown keen interest, with their president of baseball operations even traveling to Japan to scout Murakami in person. With Pete Alonso potentially departing New York, Murakami could be the perfect replacement at first or third base.
What Makes Murakami So Special?
-
Elite Power: Murakami’s left-handed swing generates tape-measure home runs, drawing comparisons to Hideki Matsui and Shohei Ohtani.
-
Versatility: While primarily a third baseman, he’s also played first base and could even slot in as a designated hitter, depending on team needs.
-
Youth and Upside: At just 25, Murakami is entering his prime, making him a long-term investment for any MLB club.
However, scouts note some concerns about his high strikeout rates—he’s fanned at least 115 times in each of the past six seasons, including 180 strikeouts in 2024. Still, his raw power and proven track record against top competition make him one of the most coveted international free agents in years.
What’s Next? The Countdown Begins
The next six weeks will be a whirlwind of negotiations, rumors, and speculation. Murakami’s posting is not just a major event for MLB, but a cultural milestone for Japanese baseball, as another homegrown superstar seeks to conquer the world’s biggest stage.
For fans, executives, and players alike, the question isn’t whether Murakami will make an impact in MLB—it’s which team will land the next great Japanese slugger, and how soon he’ll start launching balls into the upper decks.
Stay tuned. The Murakami sweepstakes have only just begun.
Sources
1. Munetaka Murakami Reportedly Posted for MLB Teams, Latest on ...
2. Munetaka Murakami still expected to be posted to MLB this offseason
3. Japanese slugger Murakami set to be posted - MLB.com
4. What the market for Munetaka Murakami could look like - MLB.com
5. 5 MLB Teams That Could Land Munetaka Murakami During 2025 Offseason After Latest Update
6. Munetaka Murakami to be posted, what to know about Japanese IF ...
7. Top Trending November 7, 2025: Ja Morant, Munetaka Murakami, Government Shutdown
8. Article: Munetaka Murakami's Red Sox Fit Broken Down: Posting ...
9. Sources: Japanese HR king Murakami available to MLB teams - ESPN
10. Chicago Cubs News, Rumors, and Analysis at Bleacher Nation
11. No, 3B Munetaka Murakami is not coming to New York
12. 3 things I'd do if I were in charge of the Royals this offseason
13. MLB free agency: NPB slugger Munetaka Murakami to be posted
14. Munetaka Murakami has been posted. The Phillies should pass.
15. Power-hitting infielder Munetaka Murakami enters MLB posting ...
