The Philadelphia Phillies’ pursuit of Yakult Swallows infielder Munetaka Murakami accelerated after he officially submitted his posting application on November 8. A translated report from Japanese outlet Nikkan Sports stated that “Munetaka Murakami, who officially submitted his posting application on the 8th, has already been approached by several teams,” and added that “one team that is particularly keen on him is the Phillies.” The article was originally written in Japanese and translated through Google Translate. The coverage of the translation acknowledged that phrasing can vary, but the report should not be dismissed.
Murakami, 25, has accumulated eight seasons in Nippon Professional Baseball. Across those seasons, he has been reported to have hit 265 career home runs with a .945 OPS, four All-Star selections, and two league MVP awards. Additional reporting listed 246 home runs and a .951 OPS across eight seasons. In the 2023 World Baseball Classic, he delivered an “electrifying performance” that contributed to Team Japan’s win over Team USA. Contract projections for his MLB move range from $100 million to over $200 million, depending on the strength of the market.
During his career, Murakami has produced several high-power seasons. He hit 56 home runs in 2022, 31 in 2023, 33 in 2024, and 24 in 2025. His strikeout totals include 71 in 69 games in 2025, 180 in 2024, 168 in 2023, 128 in 2022, 133 in 2021, 115 in 2020, and 184 in 2019. In 2025, across 56 games, he hit 22 home runs, drove in 47 runs, and struck out 64 times in 224 plate appearances. References to his 2025 season included a description of conflicting information about his performance against mid-to-high-90s velocity.
Nikkan Sports connected Murakami’s availability to Philadelphia’s roster structure. The translated report stated that “Schwaber is certain to refuse [the Qualifying Offer], and if he transfers to another team, the position will be vacant,” and included “a plan to use [Bryce] Harper on first base as a DH,” presenting Murakami as “the best piece [available].”
Kyle Schwarber recorded 197 strikeouts in each of the past two seasons. He also led the league with 215 strikeouts in 2023 and 200 in 2022. His most recent season included 56 home runs and 132 RBIs. Schwarber’s decision timeline intersects with Murakami’s posting window, which closes on December 22 at 5 p.m. ET. Reports described a scenario in which Schwarber leaving during Murakami’s window would provide Philadelphia with an immediate option, while a decision after the deadline would remove the possibility of signing Murakami.
Murakami is listed as a 3B/1B/DH. A translated report described him as a natural third baseman but referred to uncertainty regarding whether he could remain at that position in MLB. One evaluation described a lineup including Murakami at third base, Schwarber at designated hitter, and Harper at first base as “too left-handed,” even with Trea Turner present. Another scenario presented involved the possibility of trading Alec Bohm, who is projected to earn $10.3 million in his final arbitration season, which referenced a potential adjustment to create a roster spot for Murakami.
As MLB teams began engaging with the posting process, betting markets incorporated Murakami’s availability. Several sportsbooks listed next-team odds positioning the Padres and Red Sox at +550, the Mets at +600, and the Mariners, Yankees, and Dodgers at +650. The Phillies and Giants were listed at +850. A separate projection from Bookies.com placed the Phillies at +500 before later listings expanded to +850. Team futures for the 2026 World Series placed the Phillies between +1000 and +1200, positioned behind the Dodgers and Yankees across multiple operators.
Murakami was officially posted by the Swallows on November 7. Reports listing teams with interest included the Yankees, Mets, Mariners, Phillies, Giants, and Red Sox. Coverage surrounding the posting repeated the December 22 signing deadline and referenced the competitive range of projected contract values.
Philadelphia’s organizational history provided additional context. The Phillies have never had a Japanese-born player make his MLB debut with the team. Coverage described the pursuit of Murakami as an opportunity that could influence future presentations to Japanese players, regardless of whether Murakami signs with Philadelphia.
