One of the most compelling free agency chases of the current MLB offseason centers on Japanese slugger Munetaka Murakami. And based on the current betting odds, it is of course the Los Angeles Dodgers who are the heavy favorites to win the sweepstakes.
MLB Rumors: Dodgers Heavily Favored To Land Munetaka Murakami
Murakami, who will turn 26 in February, is widely regarded as one of the most exciting free agents to hit the market in years. Over eight seasons in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) with the Yakult Swallows, he showed his slugging ability, which was highlighted by a record-setting 56 home runs in 2022, the most ever by a Japanese-born player. He is the winner of two Central League MVP awards, and even hit 22 homers in 56 games in an injury-shortened 2025 campaign.
Despite concerns about his high strikeout rate, Murakami’s power is rare enough that teams are willing to look past some of the red flags. Coupled with his ability to play both third base and first base, Murakami’s is one of the most sought-after bats in this offseason’s free-agent class.
The oddsmakers at BetOnline have the Dodgers listed at +100 (50% implied odds) to win the Munetaka Murakami sweepstakes.
For Los Angeles, adding Murakami could be yet another statement that the strong continue to get stronger. They have already made headlines by landing marquee international talent in recent seasons, converting free-agent investments into back-to-back World Series championships.
Japanese slugger Munetaka Murakami's posting window will close on Monday at 5 PM ET. The 25-year-old lefty slugger has 246 career home runs in the NPB and plays 1B/3B.
Where will Murakami land when the deadline comes on Monday? pic.twitter.com/FMa2CYkzt1
— MLB (@MLB) December 19, 2025
In addition to arguably the most important player in the MLB in Shohei Ohtani, the acquisitions of Japanese pitching stars like Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Roki Sasaki helped power Los Angeles’s pitching depth and postseason success.
Outside of Los Angeles, the Mariners and Yankees represent the strongest challengers. Seattle, coming off a near-miss postseason and facing its own lineup turnover, could use Murakami’s power to help bridge the gap to a title. Meanwhile, New York’s storied free-agent resume make the Yankees a logical suitor, even if internal fit is debated. The Mariners are listed at +450 (18%), and the Yankees at +600 (14%).
We will be getting a decision in the coming days. Murakami’s signing deadline set for December 22, meaning that teams are currently making their final pitches.
