MLB Rumors on Munetaka Murakami's Potential Landing Spot amid Free Agency

There's a ton of mystery surrounding the potential destination for Japanese slugger Munetaka Murakami, and not much has changed.

The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal reported on Monday that while he doesn't expect Murakami to go back to Japan, there isn't much clarity about where he could land this offseason.

"No one seems to know who is on him, and no one seems to know where this might end up, what the money would be, what teams truly are interested," Rosenthal said. "But, he is someone that I do expect will be with a major-league club next season."

Murakami's 45-day posting window to transfer from Nippon Professional Baseball to MLB will close next Monday, Dec. 22, at 5 p.m. ET. The 25-year-old corner infielder is a four-time NPB All-Star known for his power, recording 56 home runs in 2022.

Rosenthal noted that there are some concerns with Murakami's swing-and-miss rate, but they won't be enough to stop him from signing with an MLB team. He added that while there hasn't been much reported about his market, "that doesn't mean there is no market."

MLB Network's Jon Morosi reported on Friday that Murakami's market was tied to free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman and shortstop Bo Bichette, as teams in need of infield improvements will be pursuing those players as well. He added that Murakami is believed to be "of interest" to the Boston Red Sox, Seattle Mariners, Detroit Tigers, Philadelphia Phillies, New York Mets, Toronto Blue Jays and Pittsburgh Pirates.

With just a week left before Murakami's posting window closes, his market will likely heat up in a big way in the coming days. Teams looking for an influx of power to their lineups should act fast to avoid losing out on the chance to add him for the 2026 season and beyond.