Dodgers Rumors: Dodgers Among MLB Teams Eyeing Japanese Star Munetaka Murakami in 2026 Free Agency

The Dodgers are expected to be among the teams pursuing Japanese star Munetaka Murakami ahead of the 2026 MLB offseason. The 25-year-old third baseman, who played for Japan in the 2022 World Baseball Classic alongside Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Roki Sasaki, has long been viewed as one of the premier hitters to come out of Japan.

According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Dodgers join the Red Sox, Mariners, and Mets as potential suitors for Murakami. Known for his elite power and advanced approach at the plate, Murakami has been a force in Nippon Professional Baseball since debuting at 18 years old. Over eight seasons with the Yakult Swallows, he has posted a .270 batting average, a .394 on-base percentage, and has launched 249 home runs. He is also a two-time Central League MVP (2021, 2022) and won the Triple Crown (2022).

This year, despite battling injuries, Murakami has still shown his talent. In 30 games (110 plate appearances), he’s hitting .299. He underwent arthroscopic elbow surgery last December and dealt with upper-body discomfort earlier this spring, but returned to action in April before suffering another setback.

For the Dodgers, Murakami’s availability comes at a pivotal time. Max Muncy, who has held down third base for the Dodgers, is in the final year of his contract and has struggled with injuries. Muncy, set to turn 35 later this month, faces an uncertain future with the club. With the Dodgers already heavily invested in the Japanese baseball market, Murakami could be viewed as a natural fit to fill the long-term void at the hot corner.

This offseason, third base will be one of the Dodgers’ most significant questions, and Murakami could very well be the answer.