Overview
- Murakami must sign with an MLB club by Monday at 5 p.m. ET or return to Japan under posting rules.
- MLB.com's Mark Feinsand reported the White Sox are in talks with the slugger and that multiple teams are in contact.
- MassLive's Chris Cotillo said the Red Sox have "kicked the tires" on Murakami and fellow NPB slugger Kazuma Okamoto.
- The 25-year-old set NPB's single-season home run record with 56 in 2022 and hit 22 homers in 56 games during an injury-shortened 2025.
- Public bidding has been quieter than early expectations, with evaluations highlighting increased strikeout rates and a recent dip in walk rate as key concerns.