Munetaka Murakami will be heading to MLB in 2026.
The 2024 MLB season saw 11 Japanese players, including the legendary Shohei Ohtani, and newcomer Yoshinobu Yamamoto. But come 2026, another name could make waves across the Pacific. Yakult Swallows infielder Munetaka Murakami has set his sights on MLB for the next year.
On Monday, Murakami renewed his contract for another year with Yakult for 600 million yen. But the 24-year-old confirmed that this will be his final season in Japan.
Yakult’s Murakami, who won two titles this season said, “It will be my last season in Japan.”
Munetaka Murakami is already a household name in Japan. As a prodigy in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), Murakami has consistently impressed with his bat, making a name for himself as one of the most dangerous hitters in the league.
In just seven seasons with the Yakult Swallows, Murakami has already hit 241 home runs. In 2022, at just 22 years old, he crushed 56 home runs while slashing a staggering .318/.458/.711. Murakami’s 2023 campaign saw him belt 33 homers and post a .851 OPS.
Shohei Ohtani’s success in MLB has inspired many other Japanese players to follow him to the league. As Ohtani shines in the American league, more Japanese stars are eager to make the jump. Murakami, with his impressive power and talent, could be the next big name.
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So, who will be lucky enough to land Murakami? One team that immediately comes to mind is the Los Angeles Dodgers. They have been home to some of the best Japanese talents in MLB history, including Hideo Nomo and Kenta Maeda. And let’s face it, the Dodgers’ reputation for snatching up top-tier talent means they could throw a big offer Murakami’s way.
If Murakami’s price tag is anything like Ohtani’s, you can bet the Dodgers will be lining up with a hefty contract; and perhaps another deferred salary tactic to make the deal happen.
Image Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
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