The LA Dodgers’ contingent of Japanese stars, which currently includes Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Roki Sasaki, may be about to get bigger this offseason. As is often the case with promising talent coming out of Japan, NPB superstar Munetaka Murakami has been heavily linked with a move to Dodger Stadium this winter.
Insider Jeff Passan took to X on Friday to announce that the third baseman’s 45-day negotiating window with MLB franchises had officially begun. Passan shared:
> “BREAKING: Japanese star third baseman Munetaka Murakami will be posted today, officially starting the process of one of the most anticipated free agencies of the winter, sources tell ESPN. Murakami’s 45-day negotiating window to come to a deal with an MLB team starts tomorrow.”
The news sparked a wave of excitement among fans, many of whom seem convinced that Murakami will follow in Shohei Ohtani’s footsteps and join the Dodgers.
One fan wrote, “Welcome to LA, see Shohei for directions to the casino,” while another asked, “Do they have to do that whole song and dance or can he just go straight to the Dodgers where he’s going?”
Other fans chimed in with comments such as:
– “Why the formalities? Just sign him to the Dodgers and be done with it.”
– “Why do we even have a process, we already know the Dodgers get everyone.”
– “Just announce him to the Dodgers already. 12 years/365M with 355M in deferred money until 2163.”
– “BREAKING: The 45 day window of teams making pleas to Murakami to play for them before he just ends up taking a deal with the Dodgers with deferred payment up till 2172 begins tomorrow.”
Shohei Ohtani and Munetaka Murakami previously enjoyed success together while representing Japan in the 2023 World Baseball Classic (WBC). Seeing Murakami take the field in Dodger blue in 2026 might not be too surprising.
This won’t be the first time the young infielder shares a clubhouse with the likes of Ohtani, Yamamoto, and Sasaki. All four players were teammates on the Japanese national roster during the 2023 WBC. They went on to enjoy plenty of success, beating Team USA in the final to win the gold medal.
Murakami hit an important home run in the championship game, while Ohtani pitched the final inning, which included the iconic matchup against slugger Mike Trout that ultimately secured the win for Japan.
With his posting window now open, the baseball world will be watching closely to see where Munetaka Murakami’s next chapter unfolds—though many are already betting on Dodger Stadium.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/baseball/news-welcome-la-see-shohei-ohtani-directions-casino-fans-predict-munetaka-murakami-follow-japanese-teammates-footsteps