Japanese Slugger Munetaka Murakami Set to Enter MLB Free Agency

Major League Baseball is once again preparing to welcome a generational talent from Japan. Over the past several years, a series of elite players from Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) have made their mark in the United States — from Shohei Ohtani’s two-way brilliance to Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s World Series heroics in 2025. Now, another highly touted star is ready to follow in their footsteps.

Third baseman Munetaka Murakami has officially been posted for MLB free agency, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan. The move marks the start of one of the most anticipated international signings of the winter, opening a 45-day negotiating window for teams to make their pitch.

“BREAKING: Japanese star third baseman Munetaka Murakami will be posted today, officially starting the process of one of the most anticipated free agencies of the winter,” Passan wrote on X. “Murakami’s 45-day negotiating window to come to a deal with an MLB team starts tomorrow.”

For baseball fans who followed Japan’s international success, Murakami’s name is already familiar. A dominant offensive force in the NPB, he’s regarded as one of the most complete hitters to emerge from Japan in recent memory — and MLB teams are preparing to compete for his signature.

1. A Star Born on the International Stage

Murakami’s global breakthrough came during the 2023 World Baseball Classic, where he delivered some of the tournament’s most memorable moments. In the semifinal matchup against Mexico, Murakami hit a dramatic walk-off double that sent Japan to the championship round. He followed that performance with a crucial solo home run in the final against Team USA, helping Japan secure a 3–2 victory and another WBC title. Those clutch performances solidified Murakami’s reputation as a big-game player capable of handling pressure on the world’s biggest stage. His poise, power, and disciplined approach at the plate have made him one of the most coveted international prospects in years. Since then, scouts across MLB have closely tracked his progress in Japan, where he’s continued to refine his mechanics and expand his offensive toolkit. Many evaluators describe him as a middle-of-the-order cornerstone with both contact ability and 40-home-run potential. As MLB clubs look to the international market for impact players, Murakami’s combination of power and maturity makes him one of the few talents capable of making an immediate difference at the big-league level.

2. From Record Breaker to Global Phenomenon

Murakami’s rise in Japan has been nothing short of historic. The Tokyo Yakult Swallows star posted a staggering 1.051 OPS in the 2025 NPB season, along with 24 home runs and consistent on-base production. But it was his 2022 campaign that truly put him in the record books — when he shattered the single-season home run record for a Japanese-born player with 56 home runs, surpassing the mark set by legend Sadaharu Oh. That performance elevated Murakami into superstardom in Japan and made him a household name among international baseball fans. At just 25 years old, he already boasts multiple MVP awards in the NPB and has proven capable of carrying an offense through both power and plate discipline. Beyond the numbers, Murakami is known for his advanced hitting approach — staying patient against breaking pitches and driving fastballs with effortless power. Scouts believe his skill set should translate well to MLB, particularly in hitter-friendly parks and against right-handed pitching. For teams seeking a franchise cornerstone at third base, Murakami’s arrival offers a rare opportunity: a young, proven international slugger entering his prime.

3. The Countdown Begins for MLB Teams

Now that Murakami has been posted, MLB organizations have 45 days to negotiate a deal with him and his representatives. During this period, teams are expected to line up with lucrative offers, particularly those in need of a middle-of-the-order bat and a long-term solution at third base. The competition is expected to be fierce. Contenders such as the Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees, and San Francisco Giants — all with established histories of signing Japanese stars — are considered early favorites. However, rebuilding clubs could also make aggressive bids to secure Murakami’s services as a foundational piece for the future. Whichever team signs him will not only gain a premier hitter but also a marketable international star capable of expanding the franchise’s global reach. For Murakami, the move marks the next step in a journey that began with national pride and now extends to baseball’s biggest stage. As MLB’s next Japanese sensation prepares to take the field, fans are eager to see if he’ll join the ranks of Ohtani, Suzuki, and Yamamoto — and continue Japan’s growing legacy of excellence in American baseball.