ESPN’s Jeff Passan reports this that Murakami will be posted on Friday. Teams have 45 days starting Saturday to sign Murakami; otherwise, he will return to Japan for the 2026 season.
Murakami has an impressive resume in Nippon Professional Baseball. He was a four-time All-Star, won two Central League MVP awards and scored the Triple Crown in 2022 when he set an NPB record for most home runs in a season by a Japanese player (56) and was named to the Best Nine three times. Murakami has posted a .270/.394/.557 batting line over 3,780 plate appearances, hitting 246 home runs and 146 doubles.
As impressive as his power potential may be, there are still questions surrounding Murakami. His third-ranked defense is considered an obligation due to its limited range and mobility. Murakami has struggled with injuries the past two seasons and missed about two-thirds of the 2025 NPB season. However, Murakami’s power potential should be enough to make teams overlook
Murakami is one of the best hitting free agents available this season. Let’s take a look at three possible landing spots for the Japanese third baseman.
New York Yankees
Third base has been a black hole for the Yankees in recent memory, leading New York to acquire first-glove infielder Ryan McMahon before the 2025 trade deadline. While McMahon was a dramatic defensive upgrade and saved six runs at third, his .208/.308/.333 batting line with four home runs and eight doubles over 185 plate appearances left a lot to be desired.
The Yankees also have a potential opening at first base. Paul Goldschmidt will likely leave in free agency after spending 2025 in New York. Ben Rice performed admirably initially and may have a chance to be the answer in the long run, but Murakami could be an option there as well. The Yankees need another impact bat in the lineup and Murakami could be an answer.
New York Mets
The Yankees’ crosstown rivals should also be in play for Murakami, albeit for different reasons. First baseman Pete Alonso opted out of the final year of his two-year, $54 million contract with the Mets, hoping for a more robust market in his second go-around in free agency. Murakami could be a more cost-effective option initially, while still providing the kind of power the Mets need.
Murakami also makes sense for the Mets even if Alonso returns. Starling Marte was the Mets’ primary designated hitter in 2025, posting a .270/.335/.410 batting line over 329 plate appearances, hitting nine home runs and 14 doubles. The Mets need better production from the DH spot if their championship dreams become a reality. Placing Murakami as the DH would alleviate concerns about his defense while providing a solid power bat to the lineup.
Sailors of Seattle
The Mariners were active at the 2025 trade deadline, upgrading their first and third basemen by acquiring Josh Naylor and Eugenio Suarez, respectively. Both players are free agents and leave openings at the corners of the Mariners infield. While the Mariners are reportedly considering keeping Naylor to be a prioritythat would still leave a gap in third place.
Murakami has the kind of power potential that could help transform the Mariners’ lineup. He would provide another powerful bat along with catcher Cal Raleigh and outfielders Julio Rodriguez and Randy Arozarena. The Mariners also have an opening at DH, with Jorge Polanco declining his end of a 2026 mutual option to enter free agency. Murakami could be the answer there too if the Mariners don’t feel comfortable with his defense at third and keep Naylor.
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