Overview
- Reporting says Munetaka Murakami’s posting process has begun, moving the NPB slugger closer to MLB negotiations this winter.
- The Dodgers are portrayed as an ill fit due to third-base defensive questions and established roles for Max Muncy, Freddie Freeman and Shohei Ohtani.
- Analysts expect bids could reach the nine-figure range, with the Mets, Red Sox, Blue Jays, Braves and possibly the Phillies positioned to pursue more aggressively.
- Right-hander Tatsuya Imai is a potential posting candidate, but a crowded Dodgers rotation featuring stars and emerging arms reduces their urgency to join that chase.
- Yankees and Mets officials have intensified Japan scouting as teams try to narrow the gap on the Dodgers’ past edge, creating a wider contest that also includes recently posted corner infielder Kazuma Okamoto.