The New York Yankees parted ways with Anthony Rizzo after another underwhelming season and brought in veteran Paul Goldschmidt on a one-year deal to fill the first base position. However, the team may face another opening at first base after 2025 unless prospect Ben Rice makes significant progress.
One intriguing option for the Yankees next winter is Japanese slugger Munetaka Murakami, who has already expressed his desire to join MLB. As usual, the Yankees are expected to make a strong push to sign him.
However, they may face challenges in landing Murakami, as the West Coast has become a preferred destination for many top Asian players. Stars like Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Ha-Seong Kim, Hyeseong Kim, and Lee Jung-Hoo have all signed with teams closer to Japan and Korea, and there’s a strong likelihood that Roki Sasaki will follow the same path.
The Yankees are fully aware of the challenges in pursuing Munetaka Murakami but remain determined to secure the Japanese slugger. Having successfully signed top Asian talent in the past, they are not ready to back down now.
Recognizing the need to stand out, the Yankees are exploring creative approaches to make themselves a more appealing destination. Yankees play-by-play announcer Michael Kay highlighted this during his ESPN show, referencing recent setbacks.
“You’ve got to come up with another creative way to make yourself more attractive,” Kay said, according to NJ.com. “(Yoshinobu) Yamamoto turned you down (for the Los Angeles Dodgers). Now, (Roki) Sasaki turned you
down.”
Kay noted the Yankees’ interest in Murakami, who will become a free agent after the 2025 season. “The slugging first baseman Murakami is going to be a free agent at the end of this year. I know the Yankees would love to have him. That’s why they don’t want to sign a long-term deal for a first baseman. Are they going to be able to get him, or is he going to end up on the West Coast?” Kay questioned.
The Yankees would love to have Murakami
While it may be frustrating for Yankees fans, it’s understandable why many top Asian players choose to sign with teams closer to home. Beyond the geographic convenience, these players often join highly competitive teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers or San Diego Padres, which provide a strong chance to contend for championships. This combination of proximity and competitiveness makes West Coast teams particularly attractive destinations.
In the past, the Yankees found it easier to attract stars like Hideki Matsui, Hiroki Kuroda, and Masahiro Tanaka. Recreating that allure is crucial if they hope to sign Munetaka Murakami, who could be a game-changer for the team.
Murakami boasts an impressive track record, including a historic 56-homer season in NPB in 2022 and 33 home runs last year with the Tokyo Yakult Swallows. His .851 OPS in 2024 and .945 career mark in Japan cement his status as a proven star, and at just 25 years old in February, he combines elite production with youth.
For the Yankees, who haven’t had a promising young first baseman in years, Murakami represents a rare opportunity. While he won’t come cheap, his talent and potential make him a worthy investment for a team in need of a dynamic, long-term solution at the position.
