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Ranking 'Japanese Babe Ruth' Munetaka Murakami's Top 7 MLB Landing Spots
At the forefront of the Los Angeles Dodgers winning their second consecutive World Series title were a trio of Japanese stars.
Shohei Ohtani is going to become the second player in MLB history to win four MVPs, and there's a strong argument to be made at this point that the two-way superstar is the greatest overall player the sport has ever seen.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto is an NL Cy Young Award finalist, and capped off a legendary postseason run that saw him post a 1.45 ERA across 37.1 innings pitched by winning World Series MVP.
Roki Sasaki didn't deliver the impact initially expected of him during the regular season, with a right shoulder impingement limiting him to just 36.1 innings during his rookie season. However, after some struggles as a starter, he was Los Angeles' top reliever for much of the playoffs.
So who is the next Japanese superstar that could deliver a history-altering impact in October? Munetaka Murakami—who has been dubbed the "Japanese Babe Ruth—reportedly was posted by the Yakult Swallows on Friday, per ESPN's Jeff Passan. As his nickname would lead you to believe, he could make an immediate impact in the majors.
Murakami was limited to just 56 games this past Nippon Professional Baseball season. He still managed to hit 22 home runs. In fact, the 6-foot-2, 213-pound Murakami—who hits left-handed, but throws right-handed—has clubbed 246 home runs with a .273 batting average, 722 RBI, 678 walks and a .945 OPS in parts of eight seasons in Japan.
It should be noted that the 25-year-old isn't considered a perfect prospect. He struck out 64 times in 56 games this past year, an alarming amount. He's a corner infielder, but obviously will be much more valuable to teams who think he can be a full-time third baseman, as opposed to first baseman and/or DH.
With all the potential pros and cons considered, here's a look at some potential landing spots for Murakami, who can sign a long-term contract because he's over 25, as opposed to Sasaki last year who could only receive international bonus pool money.
7. Los Angeles Angels
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Say what you will about the Angels failing to maximize their six seasons with Ohtani from a team sense, but he won a pair AL MVPs and was allowed to be a two-way player by the Halos.
There's reason for the Angels to be major players on Murakami. General manager Perry Minasian is entering a contract year. New manager Kurt Suzuki was only given a one-year contract. Owner Arte Moreno is fed up with losing, as the Angels have had 10 consecutive losing seasons. They have gone 11 years without playing in the postseason. Whether it's realistic or not, this is a team that's probably going to operate with playoff expectations this offseason.
Murakami could slot in at third base for the Angels, who at this point can't expect anything from Anthony Rendon, even though he has one year left on his disastrous seven-year, $245 million contract.
Additionally, Murakami could also get some DH looks if Mike Trout doesn't end up entrenched at that spot.
Are the Angels the most attractive team if you're looking to win? No. But they are probably the lowest-stress situation on this list, which appeals to some players coming stateside for the first time. And they figure to be active this offseason.
6. Los Angeles Dodgers
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At this point, the Dodgers have to be considered a major player for any Japanese prospect.
Think about it, if you're a Japanese player coming to the United States for the first time, why wouldn't you want to be a Dodger? They have multiple Japanese stars that can help you through the position. They are on the West Coast, and have one of the largest Japanese-American populations of any city in America. Oh, and they are the two-time defending World Series Champions.
In this case, the Dodgers would have to be comfortable with Murakami playing third base at least for a few seasons. Obviously, DH is occupied by Ohtani. Freddie Freeman is at first base through at least the 2027 season by virtue of his $162 million deal and continued excellent production.
Max Muncy has always been a clunky fit at third base, and is 35 years old. At the same time, he hit 19 home runs with an .846 OPS during his career and is a proven postseason performer. $10 million is a small price to pay for him in 2026. Would the Dodgers trade Muncy? Perhaps, but they may also choose to roll with him for a ninth season considering he's now helped them to win three titles.
Unlike in most cases with Japanese stars, the Dodgers aren't the favorite here. They still can't be discounted, though.
5. Philadelphia Phillies
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At this stage, the Phillies have made it pretty clear that there preference is for Bryce Harper to remain at first base for the remainder of his career, rather than potentially moving back to the outfield.
Still, there are some scenarios where Murakami could be a fit for the Phillies, who have never had a Japanese-born player debut in their uniform.
The most likely scenario is that Kyle Schwarber—he of the 56 home runs—will re-sign with the Phillies, but the three-time All-Star certainly deserves to test free agency after a career year. If for some reason Schwarber signs elsewhere, the Phillies are going to badly miss his left-handed power bat. Murakami would be a logical replacement.
It does seem to be a distinct possibility that the Phillies trade Alec Bohm before his final year of arbitration eligibility. While they've talked up Otto Kemp and have top prospect Aidan Miller looming, the organization is desperate to try to catch up in the Japanese market. Having Murakami play third base would be a way to do that.
Nikkan Sports previously reported that the Phillies could be a player for Murakami, so while they won't be the favorites, Dave Dombrowski and company shouldn't be ruled out.
4. Seattle Mariners
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Seattle has the largest Japanese-American population of any American city with a baseball team. They also have an incredible recruiting tool serving as special assistant to the chairman in Hall of Famer Ichiro Suzuki, one of the greatest Japanese baseball players of all time.
If the M's choose to, they can make a compelling case to Murakami.
At the trade deadline, the Mariners acquired both first baseman Josh Naylor and third baseman Eugenio Suárez from the Arizona Diamondbacks. Both are now set to become free agents, creating two potential holes for Murakami to possibly fill.
President of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto has already said that Mariners would like to re-sign Naylor, who posted an .831 OPS and felt like a perfect fit after being traded to Seattle.
However, Suárez hit just .189 after being dealt back to the Mariners, and has a .741 OPS now across two stints in Seattle. He may prefer to play his home games somewhere other than T-Mobile Park moving forward.
If Suárez isn't re-signed, Murakami could take over at third base. The Mariners also don't have someone necessarily entrenched at DH either, so that would be a fallback option if Murakami can't stick at third base or is only going to play the field on a part-time basis.
The only issue with signing Murakami—especially if Naylor is also back—is that the Mariners would run the risk of having too left-handed a lineup, when you also factor in J.P. Crawford, Cole Young and Dominic Canzone.
3. Boston Red Sox
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For as much young talent as the Red Sox have developed, they don't have a middle-of-the-order slugger. Perhaps they should have made things work with Rafael Devers, but that's a clear area of need this winter.
The Red Sox may very well try to bring back Kyle Schwarber in free agency, but if that doesn't work Murakami could push Alex Cora's squad over the top to being a World Series contender.
Alex Bregman opted out after a tremendous 2025 season, and it's unclear if the Red Sox will be willing to give him five years, give or take, entering his age-32 season. If not, they'll have a third base vacancy.
First baseman Triston Casas is working his way back from a ruptured left patellar tendon, and didn't grade out well defensively at first base prior to his injury. Signing Murakami would allow Casas to DH while he works his way back to 100 percent. It's possible that using Murakami at first base and Casas at DH will prove to be the best long-term setup.
The reality is that while Masataka Yoshida has a place in the majors, a .762 OPS over three MLB seasons has made him a disappointment considering he signed a five-year, $90 million deal. Boston may just view him as a sunk cost and trade him or move him into a lesser role this offseason. Murakami is among those who would be an upgrade.
2. New York Yankees
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23 years after convincing Hideki Matsui to begin his MLB career in pinstripes, could Brian Cashman and the Yankees provide a landing spot for Murakami?
Nikkan Sports also reported that the Yankees have interest in the slugger, and frankly, it's scary to think what he could do playing 81 games a season with the short porch in right field at Yankee Stadium.
The Yankees presumably plan to move forward with Ryan McMahon, an excellent defender, at third base. However, Paul Goldschmidt is a free agent, Ben Rice may also be a consideration at catcher and Giancarlo Stanton will turn 36 in November. Between first base and DH, the Yankees wouldn't have an issue finding at-bats for Murakami if they signed him.
Both Cody Bellinger and Trent Grisham are scheduled to be free agents, and the two left-handed hitters combined for 63 home runs this past season. If one or both of them leaves, Murakami would help to keep the Yankees a power force in 2026.
1. New York Mets
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Back in August, Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns made the trek to Japan to personally scout Murakami:
That alone doesn't mean that the Mets are definitely going to sign Murakami, but it's a pretty good indication that New York will be in on him this offseason.
Pete Alonso is once again a free agent after hitting 38 home runs this past season. It seemed last winter like Alonso was more interested in the Mets than they were in him. With his 2025 production, he'll surely get four guaranteed years this offseason, if not more. If the Mets don't feel comfortable giving that deal to a player who will turn 31 in December, Murakami would be a pretty nice pivot.
Even if the Mets do bring back Alonso, you can't discount the possibility of Steve Cohen also opening up the checkbook after missing the postseason altogether in 2025. Murakami could co-exist with Alonso, instead pushing Mark Veintos at third base and getting DH at-bats. Adding Murakami might also make it easier to have Alonso DH on a more consistent basis.
