Overview
- Murakami has been officially posted and can negotiate with MLB clubs through Dec. 22 under the NPB–MLB posting system.
- He is widely projected to land a nine-figure contract, with the signing team owing a tiered posting fee of 20% on the first $25 million, 17.5% on the next $25 million, and 15% above $50 million.
- Recent metrics flag contact risk, including a .095 average in 2025 on pitches 93 mph or faster and multi-year whiff rates of 37.8% vs righties and 33.4% vs lefties versus an MLB average near 25%.
- Evaluations still tout top-of-scale raw power and 30-plus homer potential, backed by his two Central League MVPs, a 2022 Triple Crown, and 56 home runs that season.
- Public assessments are split as NPB insider Yakyu Cosmopolitan emphasizes a higher ceiling than Kazuma Okamoto, while ex-Red Sox infielder Lou Merloni advises teams to stay away; reported interested clubs include the Yankees, Mets, Red Sox, Mariners, and Padres, with the Dodgers not expected to pursue.