Where in the world will Munetaka Murakami draw?
The slugger is the next big player to leave Japan and come to the United States. Unlike others in recent history who have been a pitcher or outfielder, Murakami profiles as a middle hitter with positional versatility to man first or third base (as well as being a designated hitter).
Mark Feinsand of MLB.com talked about the level of interest in the competition that many teams probably have in Murakami. When we dig deeper into the interested parties, it’s no surprise that all the major powers on both coasts are the most intrigued.
Nikkan Sports reported this week that the Yankees, Mets, Phillies and Mariners are among the teams that could provide a big boost for Murakami, who hit 22 home runs with 47 RBIs and a 1.043 OPS in 56 games during an injury-shortened 2025 season, reflecting the kind of power he showed in his 56-home run season. Sources say the Dodgers, Giants and Red Sox could also be in the mix, although much of it will depend on how each team views its ability to play first and/or third, or its willingness to be a designated hitter.”
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The report further analyzes the possibility that a host of contending teams – including the Dodgers – could use the prodigious infielder as a replacement for veteran players.
The Mets could be dealing with the loss of Pete Alonso, who is opting out of his contract, so president of baseball operations David Stearns went to Japan in August to see Murakami, who hit a walk-off home run in Stearns’ presence. The Dodgers could move on from Max Muncy at third base, while the Mariners could lose both first baseman Josh Naylor and third baseman Eugenio Suárez could lose to free agency.”
Both New York ball clubs could use a boost during their orders. The same can be said for Seattle, where a few free agents are hitting the market. All three of these teams have history with Japanese players. Locationally and culturally, Seattle may have the edge. The same can be said for San Francisco, as Buster Posey works to revamp the Giants. Boston has been cautious about spending money in recent years, although the Red Sox also have a history with Japanese players past and present.
When it comes to the Dodgers, Murakami doesn’t seem to fit. That’s not to say the team won’t do due diligence when looking at all aspects of a potential signing.
That said, Murakami has a reputation as a below-average defender. The first base and DH spots are locked up for the foreseeable future, and paying Max Muncy – a team major – $10 million to come back next year instead of a nine-figure deal for Murakami might be more palatable to LA’s front office.
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Photo credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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