As Major League Baseball’s winter meetings wrapped up this week, uncertainty continues to surround Japanese star Munetaka Murakami and his free agency plans.
Murakami faces a pressing timeline, with his 45-day posting period set to expire on December 22. Japanese and international players are limited to that window, yet it remains unclear what his market currently looks like.
One projection comes from Ryan Finkelstein of Just Baseball, who predicts Murakami could sign with the Philadelphia Phillies on a seven-year, $140 million deal. Finkelstein notes, “If you rewind three years, the anticipation for Murakami’s MLB debut was one of the biggest storylines of the 2023 World Baseball Classic, with him starring for Team Japan. The Phillies have long sought a Japanese player to expand their footprint in Asia, and there’s no better candidate than Murakami. A hitter-friendly park like Citizens Bank would be the ideal setting for him.”
While $140 million over seven years might have seemed low just months ago, Murakami’s recent performance in Japan has raised some concerns. He struggled at times last season and battled injuries, meaning he’s not the automatic superstar many expected a few years ago. Philadelphia will need to weigh that risk carefully.
On the other hand, the potential reward is significant. If Murakami can adjust and stay healthy, he could become a major cornerstone for the Phillies both on the field and in growing their international profile. Despite the uncertainties, the allure of his upside keeps him among the most intriguing free agents this winter.