Analysis of Munetaka Murakami’s Market Situation: Outlook Unclear as Deadline Approaches

With the deadline for Munetaka Murakami’s bidding window (5 PM ET next Monday) fast approaching, the market status of this Japanese power hitter remains unclear as of this week. Specific details about his likely destination or the teams showing the most interest are scarce, leaving his final outcome hard to forecast.

Although Murakami played roughly three-quarters of his games in Nippon Professional Baseball with the Tokyo Yakult Swallows as a third baseman, most MLB teams view him as a first baseman. Scouts widely praise his power-hitting ability—many believe this skill will successfully translate from Japan to the majors—but his high strikeout rate of 30.9% in NPB has raised considerable concerns.

While discussions about potential suitors for Munetaka Murakami have not been very intense so far, the following teams could be reasonable fits:

The Boston Red Sox missed out on Kyle Schwarber and Pete Alonso, and though Murakami remains unproven in MLB, he stands as one of the few pure power hitters currently available in the market.

The San Diego Padres currently consider the frequently traded Jake Cronenworth as their first base option, and their lineup posted the third-lowest strikeout rate in MLB in 2025. However, much of that success is attributed to Luis Arraez’s record-setting 3.1% strikeout rate, and it remains uncertain whether this free agent will stay with the team next season.

The Chicago Cubs are another team with strong strikeout control (sixth lowest in MLB). In recent years, Chicago has successfully expanded its presence in Japan by acquiring players like Seiya Suzuki and Shota Imanaga. Murakami would likely fit into their lineup as a designated hitter, allowing Michael Busch and Matt Shaw to occasionally rotate into the DH spot for flexibility.

The Los Angeles Angels have a clear need at third base and require additional power after trading Taylor Ward. Based on Murakami’s actual defensive performance in corner infield spots, he might ultimately shift to first base or serve exclusively as a designated hitter. One potential drawback is that the Angels had the highest strikeout rate in MLB last year, and adding Murakami could push that number even higher.

The Arizona Diamondbacks have been linked this week with Alex Bregman, but Murakami can also cover both corner infield positions for the team. The Diamondbacks ranked seventh in MLB last season for strikeout rate control.

After aggressively pursuing free agents but missing out on Kyle Schwarber and Josh Naylor, the Pittsburgh Pirates would gain a much-needed power threat in their lineup by adding Munetaka Murakami.

If Murakami ultimately fails to reach an agreement with an MLB team, he will return to Japan for the 2026 season. The Yakult Swallows could reopen the bidding process next winter, but multiple sources generally agree this scenario is unlikely, as he is expected to spend the upcoming season in MLB.