Japanese slugger Munetaka Murakami is officially heading to Major League Baseball! The Yakult Swallows are posting their star third baseman this winter, opening the door for one of Japan’s biggest power hitters to make the jump to MLB.
Murakami, who turned 25 in February, will enter the international market as a full free agent, free from bonus pool restrictions that limited players like Roki Sasaki. Known for his massive power—highlighted by a record 56-homer season in 2022—Murakami could command a major deal similar to Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s $325 million contract.
But questions remain: Can Murakami’s power translate to MLB pitching? Will he stick at third base, or transition to first? And which MLB teams will go all-in to sign Japan’s next superstar slugger?
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