Major Update on Munetaka Murakami Free Agency Plans, Dodgers Interest
The Los Angeles Dodgers are almost always towards the top of a talented free agent’s wish list as of late.
When that player has already won a World Baseball Classic championship trophy with three current Dodgers, the link to Los Angeles only grows stronger.
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Manager Dave Roberts, reigning NL MVP Shohei Ohtani, Opening Day starter Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and pitching phenom Roki Sasaki were all born in Japan.
When recruiting Sasaki to the Dodgers this offseason, many pointed out the connection that he had with Ohtani and Yamamoto as teammates on Team Japan in the 2023 WBC.
Now, another player from that lethal roster is eyeing a jump to MLB.
Munetaka Murakami is a seven-year Nippon Professional League infielder with a career slash line of .270/.395/.550 and an absurd OPS of .945. Last season, Murakami smashed 33 home runs and 86 RBIs.
The Japanese slugger is only 25 years old.
Dodgers Nation’s Doug McKain provided insight regarding the early stages of the Murakami sweepstakes thus far and the information he’s received from NPB insiders.
“I was talking to some Japanese NPB insiders, and they told me that he definitely would prefer to play on the West Coast, but it’s going to be West Coast teams versus one team on the East Coast, and it’s the Yankees. So he’d prefer to be on the West Coast, but he would definitely be willing to sign with the New York Yankees.”
The runner-up in the World Series is another MLB powerhouse with a historic pull to Japan-born talent. The Yankees have a long list of Japanese stars like 2009 World Series MVP Hideki Matsui, Hideki Irabu, a brief stint with Hall of Famer Ichiro Suzuki, and most recently Masahiro Tanaka to name a few.
“If I had to pick right now, I think the Yankees would be the favorite to land him,” said McKain. “I think that would be the No. 1 team for him right now.”
The Dodgers may be looking at another battle with New York down the road, but this time, for a star infielder with limitless potential.
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Photo Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
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