Japanese third baseman Munetaka Murakami has been posted, meaning he will have until Dec. 22 to sign with an MLB team ahead of the 2026 season.
Murakami will provide plenty of power to his next team. He owns the single-season home run record for a Japanese player in Nippon Professional Baseball, crushing 56 homers during the 2022 campaign. He clubbed 246 home runs in eight seasons with the Tokyo Yakult Swallows.
Murakami, who will turn 26 in February, will be a desired free agent as a left-handed power hitter. But which team will do what it takes to land him?
Munetaka Murakami Next Team Odds & Favorites
The BetMGM online sportsbook doesn’t offer MLB odds on Murakami’s next team, but many of the usual suspects project to be the top contenders to land him.
The Los Angeles Dodgers always have to be among the favorites when it comes to acquiring a Japanese player. They would love to get a younger player after being the oldest team in the league last year.
However, the fit is a bit trickier. Freddie Freeman plays first base, and Shohei Ohtani is the team’s DH for the next several years. The Dodgers would have to consider moving on from Max Muncy to play Murakami at third base, and it’s unclear if that’s his best position at this level.
Staying in the same town, the Los Angeles Angels should be among the top suitors. Los Angeles is closer to Japan, and the Angels are expected to move on from Anthony Rendon this offseason.
In addition, the New York Yankees, New York Mets, Chicago Cubs, Philadelphia Phillies, and Boston Red Sox all could be potential landing spots for Murakami.
MLB Trade Rumors projects him to sign an eight-year, $180 million deal, so only the big-market franchises are expected to be in the mix.
As things currently stand, I’d make these teams the favorites to sign Murakami:
Yankees
Mets
Red Sox
Dodgers
Munetaka Murakami Next Team Prediction
Although this market appears extremely fluid, I project Murakami will sign with one of the New York teams. For now, I’m predicting that the Yankees will beat the Mets in the Murakami sweepstakes.
For a team to sign Murakami, they must have an opening at a corner infield spot and a high enough payroll to take on the risk. Both the Yankees and Mets check those boxes.
The Yankees have Ben Rice slated to start at first base and Ryan McMahon manning the hot corner. Giancarlo Stanton is the team’s designated hitter, though his health has become unreliable.
Simply put, Murakami will get plenty of opportunities in pinstripes. The short porch in right field would provide a boost, though his power really doesn’t need it.
Given the makeup of New York’s roster, this coaching staff could live with his chasing as well. He posted a 40% strikeout rate over his past three seasons. The Yankees want their players to hit the ball over the fence at all costs, which is why they led the majors with 274 home runs last year.
Now that Pete Alonso has left for the Baltimore Orioles, the Mets are in the market for a new first baseman who can hit the ball out of the yard. As such, a Murakami and Mets match makes even more sense.
As things currently stand, I’d give the Yankees a slight edge over the Mets. But this market remains very fluid.
Munetaka Murakami’s next team prediction: New York Yankees
AloJapan.com