The Tokyo Yakult Swallows have posted 25-year-old power hitter Munetaka Murakami, allowing him until December 22 to sign with an MLB team. Known as the 'Japanese Babe Ruth,' Murakami set NPB records with 56 home runs in 2022 and has drawn interest from several clubs amid questions about his strikeout rate.
Munetaka Murakami, one of Japan's most prolific hitters since his 2018 debut, has been posted by the Tokyo Yakult Swallows for MLB teams. The 25-year-old third baseman, who has also played 266 games at first base, must agree to terms by December 22.
Murakami's standout 2022 season included 56 home runs, 134 RBIs, a .318 batting average, and a 1.168 OPS, earning him his second consecutive Central League MVP award. That home run total set the NPB record for a Japanese-born player, surpassing Sadaharu Oh's 55 from 1964. He also won a Japan Series title in 2021. However, his 2025 season was limited to 69 games, and his 2024 strikeout rate of 29.5%—with 180 strikeouts in 610 plate appearances—raises concerns, as it would rank among MLB's 10 worst.
Potential suitors include the New York Yankees, who could rotate him at third base and first base with players like Ryan McMahon and Ben Rice, potentially offering a nine-figure deal. The Chicago Cubs, successful with Japanese imports Seiya Suzuki and Shota Imanaga, might pursue a similar five-year, $85 million contract to bolster their NL Central lineup alongside prospects Matt Shaw and Moises Ballesteros.
The San Francisco Giants could use Murakami to ease pressure on Rafael Devers and Willy Adames, with new manager Tony Vitello possibly splitting time at first base and DH, especially after a four-year postseason drought. For the New York Mets, his fit depends on Pete Alonso's status; he could fill a DH role, influenced by evaluations of Mark Vientos and president David Stearns' focus on run prevention.
Murakami's left-handed power could translate well as a corner infielder or designated hitter, though his high strikeouts pose risks.