Tokyo — The New York Yankees face an uphill battle to land Japanese power hitter Munetaka Murakami. MLB insider Jon Heyman excluded the Bronx Bombers from his list of top contenders for the slugger’s services when he becomes available after the 2025 season.
On Wednesday’s Bleacher Report livestream, Heyman called the Mariners, Dodgers, Mets and Red Sox potential Murakami fits, and didn’t give the Yankees a mention. The omission signals a significant shift from earlier expectations that linked New York to the Japanese star.
From frontrunners to forgotten
Three years ago, Murakami appeared destined for pinstripes. The left-handed slugger burst onto the international scene in 2022 with a historic 56-home run campaign that coincided with Aaron Judge’s American League record-breaking 62 homers. Both players captured global attention during their parallel power displays across the Pacific.
Murakami’s 56 home runs set a single-season NPB record among Japanese-born players, breaking the previous mark of 55 set by the legendary Sadaharu Oh in 1964.
The timing seemed perfect for a Yankees pursuit. The organization has historically embraced Japanese talent, and Murakami’s profile as a first baseman matched projected roster needs after Rizzo’s departure.
However, circumstances have changed dramatically since that breakout season.
Performance concerns dampen excitement
Murakami’s production has declined from his record-setting peak. He posted an .875 OPS in 2023 and .851 OPS in 2024, substantial drops from his elite 2022 numbers. His strikeout rates have also increased, jumping from 128 in 2022 to 168 and 180 in subsequent seasons.
The 25-year-old’s 2025 campaign has been disrupted by injury. Limited to just 16 games due to an oblique strain, he has managed only a .267 batting average with five home runs, though his .910 OPS suggests his power remains intact when healthy.
Yankees roster shifts create first base opportunity
New York’s infield situation has evolved since initial Murakami rumors emerged. The Yankees declined Anthony Rizzo’s 2025 option, creating an opening at first base. They acquired veteran Ryan McMahon from Colorado on July 30, addressing their third base needs through 2027.
“A really good defender,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said of McMahon, praising his “real offensive potential.”
The trade comes with significant financial commitment, as McMahon carries $36.2 million remaining on his contract.
While McMahon fills the third base void, the Yankees still face uncertainty at first base. Paul Goldschmidt signed only a one-year contract and appears likely to depart after the 2025 season. The organization has been evaluating internal options. However, with Austin Wells slumping and Ben Rice earning rare reviews during his transition from first base to behind the plate, the team needs a power bat there.
This creates a clear path for Murakami to step into the first base role, where his bat would play well despite defensive limitations that might prevent him from sticking at third base long-term.
Mets make serious push
While the Yankees appear to be fading from contention, their crosstown rivals have shown concrete interest. Mets head honcho David Stearns recently scouted Murakami in person in Japan, attending a Yakult Swallows game in Tokyo on August 12.
The Mets’ direct scouting suggests genuine interest from owner Steve Cohen, who has demonstrated willingness to spend aggressively on top talent. New York’s National League team could have an opening if first baseman Pete Alonso opts out of his contract.
Contract expectations remain massive
Despite recent struggles, Murakami is projected to command a historic contract when posted. Industry estimates suggest he could receive $200-300 million, potentially making him one of the highest-paid position players in baseball history.
Unlike younger Japanese prospects, Murakami will not be subject to international bonus pool restrictions when posted. Players who are at least 25 years old and have played as a professional in a foreign league recognized by Major League Baseball for a minimum of six seasons are exempt from those restrictions.
The Yakult Swallows will receive a substantial posting fee based on the contract size, adding millions to any team’s total investment.
West Coast teams lead pursuit
Heyman’s list favors West Coast organizations, with the Seattle Mariners earning top billing as the best fit. The Dodgers also rank highly despite having established players at Murakami’s preferred positions.
Heyman listed the Los Angeles Dodgers as his second-best fit, the New York Mets the third-best fit and the Boston Red Sox as the fourth-best fit. Recently, the Dodgers have emerged as the preferred team for key Japanese stars, such as Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Roki Sasaki.
The Mariners acquired Josh Naylor and Eugenio Suarez for corner infield help, but Suarez becomes a free agent after this season. Seattle’s proximity to Japan and existing fan base could provide additional appeal.
Yankees’ championship window timing
The Yankees’ reduced interest may reflect changing priorities as their current core ages. With Judge entering his age-33 season and Giancarlo Stanton signed through 2027, the organization might prefer shorter-term solutions over massive long-term commitments.
Stanton’s $32 million salary in 2025 already represents a significant designated hitter investment. Adding Murakami’s projected contract would create payroll constraints that could limit roster flexibility elsewhere.
Final NPB season approaches
Murakami has confirmed that 2025 will be his final NPB campaign before pursuing MLB opportunities. Tokyo Yakult president Tetsuya Hayashida has pledged to honor any posting request.
“If he wishes for it, we are willing to submit a posting system application for him,” Hayashida said in June. “Our hope is for him to succeed. He’s a player we care a lot about.”
The posting window will provide a 45-day negotiating period for interested teams, with Murakami free to sign with any organization offering acceptable terms.
Despite being excluded from Heyman’s list, the Yankees’ first base need could still make them a logical destination for Murakami. The slugger has shown he can handle multiple positions, and his powerful left-handed bat would provide the production New York seeks to replace Rizzo’s departure and eventually succeed Goldschmidt. The franchise that once landed Hideki Matsui and pursued Yoshinobu Yamamoto may find themselves observers rather than participants in one of next winter’s most significant free agency sweepstakes.
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