Major League Baseball reporters cover the upcoming posting challenge of Yakult Swallows slugger Munetaka Murakami to the MLB.

Munetaka Murakami, the slugger for the Tokyo Yakult Swallows in Japan's NPB, is projected to challenge the MLB this year through the posting system. American media and fans have shown growing enthusiasm, with the MLB website releasing multiple articles pointing out that teams such as the Dodgers, Red Sox, and Giants are highly interested, setting the stage for a competitive race to sign him.

Murakami’s MLB pursuit has drawn considerable focus within American baseball circles. According to the MLB official site, this 25-year-old Yakult power hitter, who won the triple crown in 2022, will use the posting system this winter to negotiate contracts with all 30 MLB teams.

American media analyzed the topic under the headline “How will the market for Japanese star Munetaka Murakami develop?” suggesting that following Roki Sasaki, another major Japanese player is set to enter the U.S. leagues. The report cited several scouts who noted Murakami “possesses power hitting capable of succeeding in the MLB,” but also mentioned concerns about his “high strikeout rate and low walk rate,” which might cause some teams to hesitate.

Reports indicate that the Dodgers, Red Sox, and Giants have already expressed interest in Murakami. The Dodgers still hold a decision on third baseman Max Muncy; if they do not re-sign him, Murakami could fill that role. The Red Sox could position him at first base, and if Alex Bregman opts out of his contract, Murakami might serve as a third base backup. The Giants are also considering him for first base.

Additionally, free agents such as Kyle Schwarber of the Phillies, Eugenio Suárez and Josh Naylor of the Mariners, along with potential departures of Pete Alonso from the Mets and Bregman from the Red Sox, could make Murakami a key option for several teams looking to strengthen their roster.

Murakami played 56 games this season due to an early injury, hitting 22 home runs and driving in 47 runs with an OPS of 1.043. Given his age and performance, if he successfully transitions to the MLB, he would become the next notable Japanese power hitter following Shohei Ohtani and Seiya Suzuki.

In this season, Murakami appeared in only 56 games due to injury, recording 51 hits in 187 at-bats, including 22 home runs, with a batting average of .273. He set a remarkable record in 2022 with 56 home runs, the highest single-season total by a domestic NPB player.

Japanese media reports that the Yankees, Mets, Phillies, and Mariners are expected to actively pursue Murakami, while the Dodgers, Giants, and Red Sox may also join the competition, making the offseason battle extremely intense.

MLB reporter Mark Feinsand pointed out that Murakami’s high strikeout rate might be a concern for many teams. His strikeout rate exceeded 30% during his first two seasons, improved afterward, but has risen again to between 28.1% and 29.5% over the past three years. Murakami can play first base, third base, and designated hitter, and with his impressive power, scouts who have observed him multiple times confirm that he indeed has the talent to compete in the Major Leagues.