Japanese phenom Munetaka Murakami hits the market. The Dodgers, with a rich history of signing Japanese talent, are expected to join the chase.
It’s official—one of the most highly anticipated names of this offseason’s international free agent class is officially on the market. Japanese slugger Munetaka Murakami has been posted by the Tokyo Yakult Swallows, opening a 45-day window for him to negotiate and sign with a Major League Baseball club.
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3B/1B Munetaka Murakami will be posted today by the Tokyo Yakult Swallows of the Nippon Professional Baseball League per multiple reports including MLB's @Feinsand. All 30 MLB Clubs will have 45 days to negotiate with Murakami.
The 25-year-old slugger was the Central League's
The 25-year-old third baseman is widely considered one of the most intriguing international players in years, drawing immediate interest from multiple MLB contenders—including, unsurprisingly, the Los Angeles Dodgers.
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Munetaka Murakami will be posted today by the Tokyo Yakult Swallows of the NPB, per multiple reports.
All 30 MLB Clubs will have 45 days to negotiate with Murakami. Where will he land ahead of the 2026 MLB season? Here are the latest odds.
The Dodgers have long maintained a strong presence in Japan, consistently scouting and signing top-tier talent from the NPB. From the trailblazing days of Hideo Nomo to the more recent arrivals of Kenta Maeda, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Shohei Ohtani, and Roki Sasaki, Los Angeles has built a rich history of success with Japanese stars. That reputation, combined with their financial resources and need for continued lineup depth, makes them a natural fit to pursue Murakami.
Still, one of the main questions surrounding the Dodgers’ potential pursuit comes down to roster construction—specifically, Max Muncy’s recent contract decision. The club just exercised its $10 million option to retain Muncy for 2026, keeping one of Dave Roberts’ most trusted veterans in the fold. While that may seem to reduce the urgency for another corner infielder, it doesn’t necessarily rule out the idea of adding Murakami.
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Max Muncy is staying in Los Angeles, per multiple reports
Muncy, now 35, has been a cornerstone of the Dodgers’ lineup for years, providing consistent left-handed power and clutch at-bats from the middle of the order. Yet as he continues to age and manage occasional injuries, Los Angeles could view Murakami as both a long-term investment and an immediate offensive upgrade. Murakami’s defensive profile suggests he may ultimately project best as a designated hitter or first baseman. However, his experience at third base in Japan keeps that option open, depending on team needs.
Murakami’s offensive potential is undeniable. Standing 6-foot-2 and weighing 213 pounds, he has already cemented his name in Japanese baseball history. Over eight NPB seasons, he has hit 246 home runs in 892 games, including an astonishing 56-homer campaign in 2022, breaking Sadaharu Oh’s 58-year-old record for the most home runs in a single season by a Japanese-born player.
Whether the Dodgers choose to make a serious push remains to be seen—but given their track record and Murakami’s talent, this will be one of the most closely watched international pursuits in recent memory.