MLB Rumors: Yankees Frontrunner To Sign Newest Japanese Phenom

April 10, 2025

With Vladimir Guerrero Jr. now locked into a 14-year, $500 million extension with the Toronto Blue Jays, the Yankees have turned their full attention to a new prize: Japanese slugger Munetaka Murakami. 

The 25-year-old phenom, who’s expected to make the jump to MLB ahead of the 2026 season, has quickly become New York’s top priority. 

Murakami’s power has been nothing short of historic — 56 home runs in 2022 to break Sadaharu Oh’s single-season record for a Japanese-born player, and five 30-homer seasons before turning 25, a feat no MLB player has ever matched.

Murakami, who has primarily played first and third base for the Tokyo Yakult Swallows, is widely expected to land at first base in the majors. 

That makes the Yankees an ideal fit with Paul Goldschmidt only signed through 2025. While Murakami has reportedly shown a preference for the West Coast, Dodgers insider Doug McKain noted earlier this year: “He definitely would prefer to play on the West Coast, but it’s going to be West Coast teams versus one team on the East Coast: and it’s the Yankees.” 

With Freddie Freeman and Shohei Ohtani locked into corner spots in L.A., the Dodgers are essentially out, leaving the San Diego Padres, Los Angeles Angels, Seattle Mariners, and San Francisco Giants as West Coast contenders.

Given their need at first base, financial power, and global brand, the Yankees have emerged as the early favorites. New York has been laying the groundwork for a splash, bringing in Goldschmidt on a short-term deal and keeping roster flexibility for a major addition like Murakami. 

His left-handed power swing is tailor-made for Yankee Stadium, and his arrival could help anchor the lineup alongside Aaron Judge for years to come. 

With Guerrero off the table and Murakami soon available, the Bronx could very well be the next stage for Japan’s most electric hitter.

Photo Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

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