Munetaka Murakami Available for MLB, Contract Signing Timeline Updated
Munetaka Murakami, a standout third baseman for the Yakult Swallows, is on the verge of signing with a Major League Baseball (MLB) team. The Swallows will officially post Murakami, with the process starting on Friday. According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, MLB teams can negotiate a contract during a 45-day window opening Saturday, with a final deal deadline of December 23.
Key Timeline for Munetaka Murakami
- Posting Date: Official posting to begin on Friday.
- Negotiation Period: 45 days starting the following Saturday.
- Deal Deadline: December 23, before he returns to Yakult for the 2026 season.
Murakami’s transition to MLB has been anticipated for a while. Now 25, he is free from international bonus limitations. His impressive performance has garnered attention from numerous teams searching for a powerful middle-of-the-order hitter.
Impressive NPB Career Statistics
In 2022, Murakami set an NPB single-season record with 56 home runs. Over his career since 2019, he has achieved the following:
| Years | Games | Batting Average | Home Runs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 – 2024 | 892 | .270/.394/.557 | 246 |
Despite being limited to 69 games this past season due to an oblique injury, Murakami still managed to hit 24 home runs. Notably, he has struggled with swing-and-miss tendencies, striking out at least 115 times in six consecutive seasons. In 2024, he tallied 180 strikeouts over 610 plate appearances.
Projected MLB Contract and Interest
Expectations are high for Murakami to secure a “nine-figure deal” from an MLB franchise, excluding the posting fee, which will be at least $16.9 million. Teams reportedly interested in Murakami include:
- New York Yankees
- New York Mets
- Boston Red Sox
- Seattle Mariners
- San Diego Padres
The MLB posting system dictates a release fee of 20% on the first $25 million, 17.5% on the next $25 million, and 15% on any guaranteed contract value exceeding $50 million. If Murakami secures a nine-figure contract, it will eclipse the record set by Masataka Yoshida, who signed a five-year, $90 million deal with the Boston Red Sox.
Furthermore, the most lucrative contract under the current posting system belongs to Yoshinobu Yamamoto. His 12-year, $325 million agreement with the Los Angeles Dodgers is recognized as the highest for any Japanese player, surpassing Gerrit Cole’s earlier record with the New York Yankees.
