MLB free agency: NPB slugger Munetaka Murakami to be posted
Murakami, 25, holds the single-season NPB home run record for a Japanese-born player
www.cbssports.comHere’s a quick update on Munetaka Murakami based on the latest publicly reported developments.
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MLB posting and free agency status: Murakami was posted by the Yakult Swallows with a 45-day negotiating window in late 2025, a pathway that allows him to explore MLB contracts. Reports at the time indicated significant interest from multiple clubs, with realistic scenarios projecting multi-year deals well into the nine-figure range depending on fit and position [source coverage around 2025 posting window]. This was followed by reports of contract discussions and various market assessments as the posting window approached its deadline. For the most up-to-date specifics on which team signed him or whether he remained in Nippon Professional Baseball beyond the posting period, please see the latest MLB and MLB-affiliate reporting.
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2025 season context: Murakami dealt with injuries at times in 2025 (elbow/oblique issues) but posted strong power numbers when healthy, including a notable pace of home runs upon returning from injury. These factors influenced MLB teams’ evaluation and the posting market dynamics described in contemporary coverage [multiple outlets from late 2025].
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2026 season status: By late 2025 and into 2026, there were reports that he had reached a deal to begin his MLB career with the Chicago White Sox on a two-year contract, which would position him as a prominent slugger in the American League. If you’d like, I can pull the latest status on his 2026 season with the White Sox, including performance metrics, injury updates, and any roster moves.
Would you like me to fetch the most current updates on:
- Murakami’s 2026 performance with the team he’s with (stats, injuries, lineup positions)
- Any transfers, trades, or free-agent market shifts affecting his status
- A quick comparison of his 2022-2026 performance trajectory and how it’s translated to MLB expectations
If you want, I can also summarize the most recent reporting from MLB.com, CBS Sports, and other outlets with direct quotes and dates.