Munetaka Murakami
25-Year-Old
Free Agent
2025 Stats
AVG
.000
HR
0
RBI
0
R
0
SB
0
2026 Projections
2026 Fantasy Outlook
If Murakami had been able to come to MLB after his age-22 season back in 2022, the story would be different. That year, he hit 56 homers while slashing .318/.458/.710, winning a Triple Crown and an MVP award. He also struck out 20.9% of the time, slightly worse than the NPB average but a very tolerable mark. Since then, he's struck out at least 28% of the time for three straight seasons and has topped out at a more modest 33 homers. He's also dealt with multiple injuries, limiting him to 56 games last year. Additionally, while he's primarily played third base in Japan, he fits best at first base or DH. It all adds up to one of the widest range of possible outcomes for any player in baseball next season. If he's able to make a passable amount of contact, the power upside could be up there with the best hitters in the league. But given his big struggles with whiffs against NPB pitching, there's every chance he fails to make enough contact to earn everyday at-bats. Read Past Outlooks
Officially posted for MLB teams
The Yakult Swallows of Nippon Professional Baseball posted Murakami for major-league teams Friday, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.
Analysis
Murakami's 45-day negotiating window begins Saturday, and he will have until Dec. 22 to reach a deal with an MLB club. The 25-year-old has collected a .945 OPS in eight seasons in Japan and is coming off an injury-shortened 2025 campaign that still saw him slug 22 home runs over 56 games. Murakami has swing-and-miss concerns -- he had a 29.5 percent strikeout rate during his last full season in 2024 -- but his power is expected to translate to MLB if he makes enough contact. The left-handed hitter has mostly played third base in NPB, but there's a good chance he'll shift to first base on this side of the Pacific.
Murakami's 45-day negotiating window begins Saturday, and he will have until Dec. 22 to reach a deal with an MLB club. The 25-year-old has collected a .945 OPS in eight seasons in Japan and is coming off an injury-shortened 2025 campaign that still saw him slug 22 home runs over 56 games. Murakami has swing-and-miss concerns -- he had a 29.5 percent strikeout rate during his last full season in 2024 -- but his power is expected to translate to MLB if he makes enough contact. The left-handed hitter has mostly played third base in NPB, but there's a good chance he'll shift to first base on this side of the Pacific.
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More Fantasy News
Expected to be posted this winter
Murakami is expected to be posted for major-league teams by the Yakult Swallows of Nippon Professional Baseball this offseason, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports.
Analysis
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Planning to go to MLB in 2026
Murakami plans to play in the major leagues in 2026, Yakyu Cosmopolitan reports.
Analysis
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Signs with MLB agent Close
Murakami signed with MLB agent Casey Close on Saturday, per the Yakyu Cosmopolitan.
Analysis
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Latest Fantasy Rumors
Could have to take short-term deal
Murakami might have to wind up taking a short-term contract, Will Sammon of The Athletic reports.
Analysis
There's been very little buzz about Murakami since he was posted for major-league clubs by the Yakult Swallows of Nippon Professional Baseball last month. While few, if any, doubt the 25-year-old's power, it seems his market has been affected by questions about his defense and ability to make enough contact against major-league pitching. Murakami could choose to bet on himself with a short-term deal and then, if he plays well, land a long-term contract at a later date. He has until Dec. 22 to reach a deal with a major-league team.
There's been very little buzz about Murakami since he was posted for major-league clubs by the Yakult Swallows of Nippon Professional Baseball last month. While few, if any, doubt the 25-year-old's power, it seems his market has been affected by questions about his defense and ability to make enough contact against major-league pitching. Murakami could choose to bet on himself with a short-term deal and then, if he plays well, land a long-term contract at a later date. He has until Dec. 22 to reach a deal with a major-league team.