Japanese baseball phenom Munetaka Murakami is officially on the path to Major League Baseball. The Tokyo Yakult Swallows have announced they’ll post the 25-year-old slugger, giving him a 45-day window to negotiate with MLB clubs.
Known for his record-breaking home run power and versatility in the infield, Murakami has already made himself one of the most feared hitters in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). His move to the U.S. could shake up MLB teams looking for serious offensive punch and might even shift how Japanese stars make the leap to the big leagues.
Murakami’s Rise to Stardom in Japan
Since debuting in 2018, Murakami has climbed fast, averaging a hefty 33 home runs per season. His real breakout came in 2022 when he delivered one of the most dominant offensive seasons in NPB history.
That year, he smashed 56 home runs, drove in 134 RBIs, and hit .318 with a wild 1.168 OPS. The 56 homers set a new record for a Japanese-born player, topping the legendary Sadaharu Oh’s 1964 mark of 55.
Alongside his second straight Central League MVP, Murakami led the Swallows to a Japan Series championship. He’s now firmly one of Japan’s modern baseball icons.
Versatility Across the Infield
Murakami has mostly played third base, but he’s no stranger to moving around. He’s appeared in 266 games at first base, showing off the adaptability MLB teams crave for flexible rosters.
With his bat-first style, Murakami could easily slot in at the corners or even take on a designated hitter role in the American game. That flexibility could make him even more valuable.
The Pros and Cons of His Game
Murakami’s got massive power—no one’s arguing that. Scouts love how he can drive the ball to all fields with top-tier exit velocity, skills that should fit just fine in bigger MLB parks.
But, let’s be honest, it’s not all perfect. In 2024, Murakami’s strikeout rate jumped to 29.5%, which would put him among MLB’s ten highest. That much swing-and-miss could make the adjustment to major league pitching a little bumpy.
Resilience Through Injury
Injuries limited Murakami to just 69 games in 2025. Even so, he still managed 24 home runs, 52 RBIs, and a strong 1.051 OPS.
He kept producing at an elite level despite less playing time. That speaks to his natural hitting talent and mental toughness—traits that keep MLB scouts interested, even with the strikeouts.
International Success on the Big Stage
Murakami’s impact goes beyond the NPB. In the 2023 World Baseball Classic, he played a key role in Japan’s championship run, including a clutch home run in the final against Team USA’s Merrill Kelly.
That performance boosted his global reputation and proved he can deliver when the pressure’s on, even against international competition.
What the Posting System Means
Under the NPB’s posting system, the Swallows get a tiered payment depending on Murakami’s eventual MLB contract:
- 20% of the first $25 million
- 17.5% of the next $25 million
- 15% of any amount beyond $50 million
This setup makes sure the Swallows benefit financially while giving MLB teams a straightforward way to negotiate.
Career Numbers That Command Attention
Over 892 career NPB games, Murakami’s numbers are wild: 246 home runs, a .270 batting average, and a .951 OPS.
It’s not hard to see why he’s considered Japan’s top young power hitter right now.
What Comes Next
Murakami’s posting will probably spark some serious bidding wars among MLB teams hungry for a big bat in the middle of their lineup. He’s young, proven, and has that international flair that always gets people talking.
Still, there are a few question marks—his strikeout rate isn’t nothing, and nobody really knows how he’ll handle major league pitching. Even so, Murakami’s jump will be one of the most closely watched moves from NPB to MLB in a long time.
Fans in Japan and North America are already counting down those 45 days. Everybody’s just waiting to see where Munetaka Murakami will launch his next monster home run.
Here is the source article for this story: Munetaka Murakami to be posted, what to know about Japanese IF ahead of MLB bidding war
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