Where Will the Babe Ruth of Japan Sign in 2026?

Japanese superstar Munetaka Murakami is about to take the baseball world by storm. Multiple reports indicate that the 25-year-old slugger, often called “The Babe Ruth of Japan,” is expected to be posted for MLB teams this winter. And when that happens, he could be the most coveted international hitter since Shohei Ohtani.

Over eight professional seasons playing first and third base with the Tokyo Yakult Swallows, Murakami has already blasted 265 home runs and built a reputation as one of the most dangerous power hitters in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) history. Despite playing just 69 games this season due to injury, he still managed to post a 1.051 OPS with 26 home runs, reaffirming his elite offensive ceiling.

Project those numbers over a full 143-game NPB schedule, and the results are jaw-dropping:

• 163 hits

• 25 doubles

• 74 home runs

• 143 RBIs

• 57 walks

• 184 strikeouts

Even with the high strikeout rate — a known concern for MLB scouts — the power output is simply historic. Murakami’s combination of bat speed, torque, and plate coverage makes him a legitimate middle-of-the-order threat for any team willing to invest.

Since Ohtani’s arrival in 2018, no Japanese position player has generated this level of hype. Murakami’s presence in the lineup could transform a contender overnight, particularly for teams seeking left-handed thump. His swing mechanics and raw strength have drawn comparisons to Babe Ruth himself — a fitting nickname for a player who has shattered NPB records while still entering his physical prime.

Early Favorites Emerge

According to multiple MLB insiders, several major-market clubs are already preparing aggressive bids for Murakami’s services. The Yankees, Dodgers, Red Sox, Mariners, Cubs, and Giants have all emerged as early favorites.

• New York Yankees: Always in the mix for global talent, the Yankees view Murakami as a potential cornerstone to anchor their lineup alongside Aaron Judge.

• Los Angeles Dodgers: Fresh off signing Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, L.A. could leverage its growing Japanese pipeline and massive payroll flexibility.

• Seattle Mariners: With a rich Japanese history dating back to Ichiro Suzuki, Seattle could provide both cultural comfort and a clear offensive need.

• Chicago Cubs: The Cubs have money to spend and a young, improving core. Murakami could be the marquee star they’ve lacked since Kris Bryant’s prime.

• San Francisco Giants: After missing out on Ohtani and other big names, San Francisco could go all-in to finally land a global superstar.

• Boston Red Sox: Boston’s strong international scouting presence in Asia and the hitter-friendly dimensions of Fenway Park make this pairing particularly intriguing. Murakami’s ability to launch towering home runs over the Green Monster could instantly make him a Fenway fan favorite.

The Bottom Line

If Murakami’s posting becomes official this winter, expect a bidding war of historic proportions. His combination of age, power, and star potential makes him a once-in-a-generation acquisition opportunity.

Strikeouts aside, this is a hitter with game-changing, franchise-altering power, and at just 25, the sky’s the limit.

Come 2026, the Babe Ruth of Japan won’t just be a nickname. It could be the start of MLB’s next global phenomenon.