Who should Yankees choose — steady Okamoto or rising star Murakami?

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NEW YORK — The New York Yankees are taking a hard look at two of Japan’s biggest power hitters this offseason — Kazuma Okamoto of the Yomiuri Giants and Munetaka Murakami of the Tokyo Yakult Swallows. Both are expected to be posted for Major League Baseball teams, and both could fill major gaps in the Yankees lineup. The decision will come down to which slugger fits the team’s budget, timeline, and long-term vision.

Posting status and player availability

Yomiuri has officially announced that Okamoto will be made available to MLB clubs under the posting system. Once the process begins, teams will have 45 days to negotiate. The 29-year-old right-handed slugger has been remarkably consistent, logging 30 or more home runs in six consecutive seasons from 2018 through 2023.

Murakami, who is 25, is also expected to be posted this winter. He already owns two Central League MVP titles and captured the NPB Triple Crown in 2022 with 56 home runs. Scouts expect a wide range of bidders, and the Yankees are expected to be among those exploring an offer for one of Japan’s youngest and most dynamic bats.

Comparing skillsets and production

Okamoto’s offensive profile blends strong contact skills with proven power in the middle of the order. MLB.com reports that his NPB career slash line sits at .277/.361/.521. Despite missing time with an injury in 2025, he continued to produce at a high level. His compact swing, disciplined approach, and ability to hit high-velocity pitching give scouts confidence that his production can carry over to the major leagues.

Murakami’s power is his defining trait. His 56-homer performance in 2022 remains one of the best single seasons in Japanese baseball history. Over 892 career games, he has hit 246 home runs and recorded an OPS near .945. While he projects as a premier power threat, evaluators have expressed concern about his high strikeout rate, which has hovered between 28 and 30 percent. That could be a challenge against major league pitching that emphasizes velocity and breaking ball spin.

Defensive fit and positional flexibility

Okamoto adds defensive value along with his offensive upside. He has earned Gold Glove honors in Japan at both first and third base, giving the Yankees options depending on how their infield shapes up for 2026. His ability to handle either corner would give New York flexibility and depth around the diamond.

Murakami has primarily manned third base for Yakult but might fit better at first base or designated hitter in MLB. His left-handed swing makes him a natural fit for Yankee Stadium’s short right-field porch, but his defensive range and consistency remain under question, according to multiple scouting evaluations.

Contact and translation risks for Yankees

Transitioning from NPB to MLB comes with challenges for any player, particularly when it comes to adjusting to major league velocity and movement. Okamoto’s strong contact rates and polished approach at the plate make him a more dependable option. Analysts have pointed to his success against fastballs above 93 mph as a sign that his skills will translate well to American competition.

Murakami, meanwhile, is a more volatile case. His strikeout numbers and steep launch angle create legitimate power but also raise questions about how he’ll handle MLB-level pitching. Scouts believe he’ll need time to adjust to breaking balls and may face growing pains before becoming a consistent force in a lineup.

Cost and contract landscape

Both players will come with a posting fee in addition to their MLB contracts. Under current posting rules, a player’s NPB team receives a fee equal to a set percentage of the contract value — 20 percent of the first $25 million, 17.5 percent of the next $25 million, and 15 percent for anything above $50 million.

Okamoto is projected to receive a four-year deal worth about $80 million, plus an additional posting fee between $20 million and $30 million. That puts his total cost around $100 million. The number fits within the Yankees’ financial structure and aligns with their focus on immediate contention.

Murakami’s deal is expected to be much higher, possibly six years for $150 million with a posting fee around $30–40 million. The total cost could approach $190 million. His age and potential justify the premium, but such a contract would likely push the Yankees deeper into the luxury tax and could reduce flexibility for other moves, especially pitching.

Expert perspective and front-office thinking

According to Heavy Sports, Okamoto is seen as an ideal match for the Yankees because “he hits lefties well, can play first and third base, has power, and good contact rates.” His balance of power and plate discipline fits a team that already leans left-handed with players like Cody Bellinger and Jazz Chisholm Jr.

Murakami remains the more tantalizing long-term play. MLB.com described him as having “legit power” and the potential to be a “franchise cornerstone” if his approach continues to develop. For the Yankees, that would mean betting big on a player who could define their next era, though the uncertainty surrounding his transition makes the move riskier.

Roster context and immediate needs

The Yankees lineup is still searching for another consistent run producer. Ben Rice and Ryan McMahon currently share duties at first and third, but the club lacks a right-handed slugger to complement Aaron Judge in the middle of the order.

Okamoto’s addition could fill that gap seamlessly, offering both power and defensive flexibility. Murakami’s left-handed power is intriguing, but his arrival could force positional changes or create an overlap with designated hitter assignments for other players.

Market risk and adjustment timelines

At 29, Okamoto’s prime years align with the Yankees’ current competitive window. He would be expected to contribute immediately, making him a safer short-term investment.

Murakami’s youth gives him a longer career runway. If he adapts quickly, he could anchor a lineup for the next decade. Still, his learning curve could take time, and the Yankees may not be in a position to wait for gradual development given their push to win now.

Signing Okamoto would give the Yankees a proven hitter without compromising future payroll flexibility. His projected $20 million annual salary fits within the club’s budget and allows for other critical additions, particularly on the pitching side.

Pursuing Murakami, while potentially transformative, would nearly double that financial commitment. Such a move could pay off with a generational left-handed bat, but it also introduces significant long-term risk if his transition to MLB stalls.

Verdict for the Bronx

The Yankees’ front office faces a choice between stability and star power.

Okamoto provides the safer, ready-made solution: a right-handed power hitter with plate discipline and reliable defense. His price point and adaptability make him a logical addition for a team built to contend immediately.

Murakami, by contrast, offers unmatched upside. His power and youth make him an exciting long-term investment, but the adjustment risk and cost could be too steep for a club focused on immediate results.

Given the Yankees’ urgency to contend in 2026, Okamoto stands out as the most practical fit. Murakami remains the high-reward swing that could reshape the franchise’s future if he delivers on his immense potential.

What do you think? Leave your comment below.

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