Breaking-News: Huge Boost As Yankees Set to Make Huge Splash for Japanese Superstar: Could He Be the Next Big Thing in the Bronx?

Munetaka Murakami, a player who’s been linked to Yankees’ free agency rumors for years, is set to become a free agent at the end of the 2025 season, and New York could be in the thick of the competition for his services. Murakami has expressed interest in joining the Yankees, and while he has a preference for West Coast teams, he has made it clear that New York is the one team he would consider over that preference.

According to Doug McKain of Dodgers Nation, sources close to Murakami say he’d prefer to stay on the West Coast but is willing to sign with the Yankees if they come calling. McKain also suggests the Yankees might be the frontrunners for the Japanese slugger, known for his incredible power, especially as a left-handed hitter, even though his bat-to-ball skills have been somewhat lacking.

The Yankees could be perfectly positioned to land Murakami. While the Dodgers may seem like a natural destination for him, their roster already features Max Muncy at third base, Freddie Freeman at first base, and Shohei Ohtani at DH.

Although the Dodgers could potentially decline Muncy’s club option after the season, it’s unlikely they would do the same for Murakami if their veteran slugger continues to perform. The Yankees, on the other hand, don’t have a long-term first baseman, and with Paul Goldschmidt’s one-year deal nearing its end, Murakami could fit perfectly into the Yankees’ future plans.

However, there are concerns about Murakami’s strikeout rates, which have been alarmingly high in recent years. His contact skills have dropped significantly over the past two seasons, and he led the NPB in strikeouts last year with 180 in 610 plate appearances.

Although he managed to hit 33 home runs and draw 105 walks, MLB pitchers may exploit his growing contact issues if he doesn’t adjust. Murakami’s strikeout rate has jumped nearly 9% in the past two years, which some attribute to a decline in NPB offense and pitcher advantages, such as the pre-tacked baseballs used in Japan.

Despite these concerns, Murakami’s historic 2022 season, where he hit 56 home runs with a 1.168 OPS, shows the immense potential he has when he’s able to make contact.

Even though no hitter has come over from Japan with such power but as many contact concerns as Murakami, he could still be a game-changing addition to the Yankees. After all, even Shohei Ohtani needed time to adjust to MLB power hitting. Murakami’s power could thrive in Yankee Stadium, but whether he can reign in his strikeouts remains the big question.