Tokyo 2020 gold medalist Munetaka Murakami is the most prominent star posted by Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) clubs for Major League Baseball (MLB) clubs’ consideration this offseason.
Born in 2000, Murakami was the Central League’s 2019 Rookie of the Year. He won the league’s MVP honours in 2021 and 2022. In 2022, he became the youngest Triple Crown winner. When he hit his 200th home run on May 15, 2024, he became the youngest player to reach the milestone in NPB history.
At the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Murakami posted a .333 batting average. He hit a crucial walk-off double in the semifinal against Mexico and a solo home run in the World Championship Game against the USA in the World Baseball Classic 2023.
Murakami has until December 22 to sign with a MLB club.
The Seibu Lions posted right-handers Tatsuya Imai and Kona Takahashi.
Born in 1998, Tatsuya Imai pitched eight innings of a combined no-hitter in April 2025. His fastball topped 99 miles per hour. He has until January 2 to sign.
Kona Takahashi was born in 1997 and had a brilliant comeback season after a disappointing 2024 campaign. He helped Japan win silver at the WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup 2013 and played in the Australian Baseball League 2017-18. He has until January 4 to sign.
The Tokyo Yomiuri Giants posted slugger Kazuma Okamoto. Born in 1996, the corner infielder has led the Central League in home runs in 2020, 2021 and 2023 and has 206 career homers. He has until January 4 to sign.
The Hanshin Tigers have so far denied the posting of two WBSC Premier12 stars, right-hander pitcher Hiroto Saiki and All-World Team outfielder Shota Morishita.
When a posted player agrees to a contract with an MLB club, his original NPB team receives a compensation based on the contract’s value:
20% of the first US$25 million17.5% of the next US$25 million15% of any amount above US$50 million
The posting system applies to players under contract. Free agent right-hander Takahiro Norimoto, a 35-year-old veteran who helped Japan to second place in the inaugural WBSC Premier12, is reportedly negotiating with MLB clubs.
AloJapan.com