Munetaka Murakami Reportedly Expected to Be Posted for MLB Teams, Yankees, More Linked

Japanese star corner infielder Munetaka Murakami is reportedly on the verge of becoming available for MLB teams.

According to MLB.com's Mark Feinsand, Murakami will be posted "this winter" and is eligible to sign with all 30 clubs in the majors.

The New York Yankees, New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies and Seattle Mariners are among the teams that could make a "big push" for Murakami, via Feinsand.

Feinsand reported that the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Francisco Giants and Boston Red Sox "could also be in the mix" for the 25-year-old.

Murakami currently plays for the Yakult Swallows in Nippon Professional Baseball and has showcased his power at the plate throughout his career.

In 69 total games during the 2025 season, Murakami hit .286 with 10 doubles, 24 home runs, 38 walks and 52 RBI. He also posted a 1.051 OPS.

Murakami's track record should also be enticing for MLB front offices, as he recorded at least 30 homers in four straight seasons from 2021-24. This included a 2022 campaign in which he racked up 56 home runs in 141 games.

He owns a .273/.394/.550 slash line throughout his career in Japan.

His reported move to MLB doesn't come as a major surprise, as Yakult Swallows acting owner Tetsuya Hayashida confirmed that the club would allow Murakami to be posted in June.

The Mets' interest in the slugger has been evident, as president of baseball operations David Stearns was spotted scouting him in Japan on Aug. 12.

Murakami could receive hefty offers from MLB teams, as he isn't restricted to to international bonus pool money since he's at least 25 years old and has over six NPB seasons under his belt.