Tokyo, October 11 — Japanese baseball superstar Munetaka Murakami is officially expected to be posted to Major League Baseball this winter, marking one of the most anticipated international transfers in recent baseball history.
According to a report by CBS Sports, Murakami’s club, the Tokyo Yakult Swallows, will honor his wish to join an MLB team following the conclusion of the 2025 Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) season.
The 25-year-old power hitter is widely regarded as one of Japan’s top offensive talents. In 2022, Murakami smashed 56 home runs, becoming the youngest Triple Crown winner and breaking the record for most home runs by a Japanese-born player in a single season.
MLB analysts describe him as a “middle-of-the-order difference maker,” expected to draw interest from major franchises such as the New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres, and Philadelphia Phillies.
Murakami, who primarily plays third base, has two Central League MVP awards and multiple All-Star selections. His transition to MLB could mirror the growing wave of Japanese stars, including Shohei Ohtani and Seiya Suzuki, who have found success in the United States.
If officially posted, Murakami will be available to all 30 MLB teams under the standard posting system agreement between NPB and MLB.
Murakami’s move represents more than a career leap — it’s another chapter in Japan’s expanding baseball influence on the global stage. At just 25, he combines raw power with rare plate discipline, making him one of the most valuable international free agents in years.
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