The 2025 free agent class projects to be loaded with elite bats. Kyle Tucker is the biggest prize, and Alex Bregman and Pete Alonso will likely join him in free agency by opting out of their respective contracts. But another name might be among the most coveted — and he's never played in MLB.
Munetaka Murakami, the two-time MVP of the Japanese Central League, is reportedly hoping to make the jump to MLB after the 2025 season. There have long been reports that Murakami will make the move after his age 25 season, and his exceptional pedigree in Japan all but ensures that there will be significant competition for this services.
A recent report by Jim Bowden of The Athletic, which ranked Murakami as the seventh-best free agent available this offseason, listed the Red Sox as one of the teams in contention for Murakami. Bowden notes that Murakami projects as a .240-.260 hitter in MLB with 30-homer power.
Murakami has already cemented himself as one of the greatest power hitters in Japanese baseball history. In 2022, he hit 56 home runs in a season to break the record previously held by Sadaharu Oh. He also won the Triple Crown that year, slashing .318/.458/.710 for a 1.168 OPS. Since then, he's cooled off slightly but has still managed impressive offensive numbers, hitting 31 and 33 homers in 2023 and 2024, respectively. He already has five 30-homer seasons before his age 25 season, and bear in mind, he's never played more than 143 games in a year.
Red Sox expected to make a play for Munetaka Murakami
Murakami also authored an electric moment in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, breaking out of a slump in Japan's semifinal matchup against Mexico in dramatic fashion. He hit a frozen rope to left center for a two-run double, sending Japan to the championship game against the United States, which they would win.
With the season-ending injury to Triston Casas, Murakami makes a lot of sense for the Red Sox. His defense is a liability, so playing him at first base should minimize that. But then again, he makes a lot of sense for just about every team. Luckily, the Red Sox are one of the few with the means to pursue him. However, the favorites for Murakami have to be the Dodgers, who seem to have cornered the market on Japanese players after landing Roki Sasaki. Sure, they have Freddie Freeman at first, but that probably won't stop them. The Red Sox will have to be aggressive if they're serious about acquiring Murakami.