The upcoming MLB offseason is shaping up to be particularly intriguing, not just because of the usual big-name free agents like Kyle Tucker, Bo Bichette, Cody Bellinger, or Dylan Cease, but due to the arrival of a remarkable talent from Japan: Munetaka Murakami. The young slugger, who will turn 26 in February 2026, has been officially posted by his team, the Tokyo Yakult Swallows, making him available to MLB clubs for the first time. Murakami’s power-hitting prowess, demonstrated by his record-breaking 56 home runs in 2022 and an impressive 22 homers in just 56 games in 2025, has garnered significant attention, positioning him as one of the most exciting free agents on the market.
Jim Bowden, a respected baseball analyst, recently described Murakami as “a legitimate, ridiculous power hitter,” comparing his potential to the likes of Kyle Schwarber and Pete Alonso, both known for their prodigious home run totals. Murakami’s profile suggests he could easily become a 30-40 home run hitter at the MLB level, with some even speculating he could exceed that range. This raw power is what makes him such a coveted asset, especially for teams looking to bolster their middle-of-the-order offense.
However, Murakami’s signing window is limited. The posting period lasts 45 days and will close at 5 p.m. ET on Monday, December 22, 2025. If no contract is signed by then, he will return to the Swallows. Importantly, a handshake agreement is not enough; Murakami must complete a physical examination and officially sign the contract by the deadline to finalize the deal. Given the buzz surrounding him, it’s widely expected he will sign before the window closes.
Despite his promising power numbers, Murakami’s transition to MLB comes with some risks. His strikeout rate in Japan has been notably high—around 28%—which is significant because Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) generally experiences fewer strikeouts than MLB. This tendency to swing and miss, particularly against off-speed pitches, could pose a challenge in adjusting to major league pitching. Defensively, Murakami is not a standout. He has spent his career primarily at third base, but his defensive limitations suggest he may soon move to first base or become a designated hitter, roles that are less demanding in the field but still crucial offensively.
From a financial perspective, any MLB team signing Murakami will owe the Yakult Swallows a posting fee based on the contract’s size. The fee consists of a base $9.275 million plus 15% of any contract amount exceeding $50 million. Projections estimate Murakami’s deal could be around six years for $140 million, translating to a total cost—including posting fees—of approximately $162.8 million. This figure places him among the higher-tier free agent contracts, though comparable to recent deals like Willy Adames’ $182 million contract signed last offseason. Given Murakami’s age and potential, many analysts believe his market value might surpass these projections.
A crucial factor influencing Murakami’s potential landing spot is positional flexibility. If he accepts a move to first base, where he has some experience (266 career games), his market could broaden significantly. However, if he insists on playing exclusively at third base, his options may narrow, as many MLB teams already have established players at that position.
To better understand where Murakami might fit in MLB, analysts have evaluated all 30 teams based on their needs, payroll flexibility, and likelihood of pursuing him. At the bottom of the list are teams like the Colorado Rockies, Cleveland Guardians, Washington Nationals, Miami Marlins, Minnesota Twins, Chicago White Sox, Cincinnati Reds, Oakland Athletics, and Pittsburgh Pirates. While these teams could benefit from Murakami’s power—especially rebuilding clubs like the Pirates, who had the worst offense in 2025—the financial commitment is likely prohibitive for many of them.
Mid-tier teams such as the Tampa Bay Rays, Kansas City Royals, Baltimore Orioles, and Milwaukee Brewers face roster and positional challenges that complicate signing Murakami. For example, the Rays have their corner infield and DH spots well-covered, while the Royals have a crowded infield and a recent catching extension that limits DH availability. The Orioles’ lineup is heavy with left-handed hitters, and their