2026: Next Dodger Target: Munetaka Murakami (Home Run King)NEW

As of November 29, 2025. Heading into the 2026 offseason window, Munetaka Murakami remains one of the most talked-about Japanese sluggers expected to make the jump from Nippon Professional Baseball to MLB. With his recovery from 2025 elbow surgery progressing and posting videos showing full swings again, league insiders believe his formal MLB posting could occur this winter or shortly after the upcoming NPB season, depending on team negotiations. Murakami still fits the same long-term profile described earlier - 6'2", 213 lb, left-handed, 223+ HR power, disciplined .945 OPS bat, and defensive growth at 3B/1B. Oddsmakers and fan projection models currently lean heavily toward a West Coast landing, with the Los Angeles Dodgers still considered the most logical destination if they choose not to exercise patience on Muncy’s 2026 option. The Yankees remain his strongest rival suitor, but heavy East Coast lineups could push his conversion odds slightly down due to stadium dimensions and roster congestion.

Odds for Murakami’s 2026 MLB Team
• Los Angeles Dodgers: 52%. Strong Japan pipeline, West Coast preference, open succession plan at 3B/1B, large Japanese-American fan base, hitter development track record, and market appeal.
• New York Yankees: 28%. Deep pockets and brand power, strong interest in elite sluggers, but roster and stadium pull slightly less aligned than LA.
• San Francisco Giants: 9%.West Coast geography helps, and rivalry dynamics make it plausible, though current needs are less urgent than Dodgers’.
•  Seattle Mariners: 6%.West Coast fit is natural, but payroll and offensive core construction keep odds moderate.
• Field (Other MLB Teams Combined): 5%.Includes fringe but possible bidders like the Blue Jays, Padres, or Angels if roster scenarios shift dramatically.

Previous News

Dodgers Could Target Japan’s Home Run King to Succeed Max Muncy
The Los Angeles Dodgers may be preparing for a major offseason move to secure Japanese slugger Munetaka Murakami as a potential successor to veteran third baseman Max Muncy. While Muncy has been a key contributor since returning from injury-and the team holds a $10 million option for 2026-his age (35) and injury history raise questions about his long-term role.

Height: 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm)
Weight: 213 lb (97 kg)

Murakami’s Appeal
The 25-year-old Tokyo Yakult Swallows star has already hit 223 home runs in Nippon Professional Baseball (2019-2024) and owns a career .270/.395/.550 slash line with a .945 OPS. Despite missing most of 2025 due to elbow surgery, his youth, power, and defensive improvement make him a top free-agent target this winter. Experts project he could command a $200-$300 million deal.

Dodgers’ Fit
Murakami’s profile mirrors Muncy’s-left-handed power and high strikeouts-but with more upside. The Dodgers’ history with Japanese talent (Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Roki Sasaki) and Los Angeles’ large Japanese-merican fanbase strengthen the fit.

Competition
Murakami reportedly prefers the West Coast but is also open to the New York Yankees, setting up a possible high-stakes bidding war.

The Decision Ahead
Signing Murakami could boost the Dodgers’ long-term offensive core but might mean moving on from Muncy, a fan favorite who hopes to retire in LA. This offseason could define the next decade for Dodgers baseball, blending respect for a veteran leader with the pursuit of a new superstar.