Dodgers Rumors: Dodgers Not Interested in Munetaka Murakami
Don't expect the Dodgers to be involved in the Murakami sweepstakes this offseason
LOS ANGELES, CA—While the Los Angeles Dodgers outlined their needs at the start of the offseason, with multiple MLB insiders stating the team is focused on strengthening the back end of the bullpen—particularly a right-hander—and adding another corner outfielder, there are also several other key free agents this winter who could join them for the 2026 season.
However, Japanese free agent third baseman Munetaka Murakami has not gained much attention from the Dodgers brass.
Dodgers insider David Vassegh of AM570 LA Sports reports that the team is not currently pursuing the signing of the Japanese power hitter.
“Have not heard any buzz about the the Dodgers and Murakami. The one thing that I’ve heard is that he doesn’t hit velocity. So, similar to what the Dodgers did with Kim when they had to rework his swing to be able to compete against high velocity in Major League Baseball.”
Although the Dodgers are not anticipated to pursue Murakami, he remains a sought-after player this winter, with several prominent teams like the New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, New York Mets, and Boston Red Sox showing interest in his services.
Murakami has finished his eighth season in the NPB, showcasing his power with the bat. Nonetheless, concerns remain regarding his contact rate and how well he can handle high-velocity pitches.
Some projections compare Murakami to Nolan Gorman on the lower end, with Joey Gallo at the 50th percentile, and Adam Dunn on the higher end of possibilities.
Murakami played only 56 games in his possible final season with the Swallows due to an oblique injury, but he still posted a .273/.379/.663 batting line with 22 doubles and 47 RBI.
Throughout his NPB career, Murakami has maintained a batting line of .270/.394/.557, with 246 home runs and 647 RBIs. In 2022, he set a new record for Japanese players by hitting 56 home runs, breaking Sadaharu Oh’s previous record of 55 from 1964.
Murakami’s posting in early November started a 45-day period for teams to negotiate a contract, with a deadline to sign by 2 PM PT on Monday, December 22nd.
If Murakami has not signed with an MLB team by that time, he will go back to the Swallows and continue playing in the NPB for at least another season.
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