MLB Rumors: Top 5 Teams In Pursuit Of Munetaka Murakami This Offseason

November 07, 2025 , , , ,
Munetaka Murakami reacts after at-bat while playing for Team Japan in the World Baseball Classic.

The Munetaka Murakami pursuit will drive this offseason. 

The “Japanese Babe Ruth” brings left-handed thunder and jaw-dropping exit velocity, even with strikeout risk and questions about where he settles defensively. 

With posting rules allowing a full long-term deal at age 25, the market is lining up for a serious bid. Here are the five clubs best positioned to push.

New York Mets

The New York Mets have already scouted Murakami in person, a clear signal of intent. If Pete Alonso departs, Murakami can slide into first base and keep Queens loud with power and walks.

If Alonso returns, Murakami’s bat still fits, with third base and DH at-bats available while the front office stacks impact offense around a young rotation. Ownership has the ambition and the budget, and Citi Field’s right-field alley suits a pull-heavy lefty.

New York Yankees

The New York Yankees are always searching for left-handed thump to punish the short porch. Between first base and DH there are ample plate appearances available, and a year-to-year approach with veterans creates room for a middle-order bat who draws walks and changes games with one swing. 

New York’s track record with Japanese stars and the draw of the market make this a natural pursuit.

Seattle Mariners

The Seattle Mariners need a cornerstone bat at a corner spot. With third base open and DH unsettled, Murakami can plug a real lineup hole while the club pushes to clear the final step in October. 

The Mariners have the recruiting edge of a deep Japanese baseball culture around the franchise and a history of landing impact talent from NPB. If Josh Naylor returns, Murakami can still anchor third or rotate through DH to keep the lineup balanced.

Boston Red Sox

The Boston Red Sox want a middle-order slugger to complement a young core. Third base and first base are both logical paths, and DH usage can ease the transition while the staff fine-tunes swing decisions against premium velocity. 

Fenway rewards pulled fly balls for left-handed hitters, and a committed offer, plus flexibility on role, could put the Red Sox near the front of the line.

Philadelphia Phillies

The Philadelphia Phillies are open to a shakeup at the hot corner and have incentive to finally tap into the Japanese market. If Alec Bohm is moved, Murakami can take over third with DH insurance while the club keeps Bryce Harper at first. 

If Bohm stays, Murakami still fits as a left-handed power source at DH in a park built for towering drives to right.

Photo Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

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