The Tokyo Yakult Swallows have officially announced that they will post slugging third baseman Munetaka Murakami for Major League Baseball (MLB) teams, with the posting process set to begin on Friday. The 45-day negotiation period will kick off at 8 a.m. ET this Saturday and will conclude at 5 p.m. ET on Monday, December 22. This pivotal window allows Murakami to sign with any MLB team during this timeframe.
At just 25 years old, Murakami is eligible to sign a contract of any value this offseason. Unlike his peers who are subject to international bonus pools, he enters free agency similar to Yoshinobu Yamamoto two years ago. This offseason, he has been ranked as the seventh-best free agent available.
Murakami, who gained recognition in 2022 after smashing 56 home runs to break the single-season Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) record for a Japanese player, showcases impressive power. However, his recent seasons have been marked by concerns over his strikeout rate, which has exceeded 28% for three consecutive years. In terms of position, there are ongoing discussions about his long-term viability at third base, with first base emerging as a potential more suitable option. Yet, his youthful age and raw power are attributes that teams will likely consider significant enough to overlook these drawbacks.
During the past season, Murakami played 69 games due to elbow surgery and an oblique injury, finishing with a .286/.392/.659 batting line and hitting 24 home runs. Notably, those 24 home runs ranked third in the league despite his limited number of appearances. Given the low offensive output seen across the NPB this season, where the league average was just .242/.302/.350, Murakami’s accomplishments stand out even further.
Any MLB team that ultimately signs Murakami will be required to pay the Swallows a posting fee dictated by the contract’s size. The structure for the posting fees is as follows: for contracts worth less than $25 million, 20% of the contract value; for contracts between $25 million and $50 million, a flat $5 million plus 17.5% of the amount over $25 million; and for contracts exceeding $50 million, a payment of $9.275 million plus 15% of the amount over $50 million.
R.J. Anderson has projected that Murakami could secure a six-year contract worth approximately $140 million, which would incur a posting fee of $22.775 million. This would bring the total to around $162.775 million, surpassing the record five-year, $90 million contract that Masataka Yoshida received from the Red Sox three years ago.
As teams enter the bidding for Murakami, those most inclined to believe in his potential at third base will be particularly keen. His free agency could also trigger a ripple effect on other stars like Alex Bregman, Eugenio Suárez, and possibly Pete Alonso. The early posting window ensures that Murakami’s free agency will be resolved quickly, avoiding delays that could extend negotiations into January.
Franchises traditionally interested in high-profile players, such as the Dodgers, Mets, and Yankees, are expected to pursue Murakami actively. Additionally, teams like the Blue Jays, Cubs, Giants, Mariners, Padres, Rangers, and Tigers should also be considered potential contenders in this competitive market.
Murakami’s entry into the MLB landscape is not just a personal journey, but also a moment of significant intrigue for baseball fans, holding the promise of elevating the level of play in the league with his remarkable talent.