If the Texas Rangers want to take a definitive step toward dominating the American League, signing Munetaka Murakami this winter should be at the top of their wish list. With a potent bat, youth on his side and a blockbuster posting window opening for the 25-year-old Japanese slugger, Murakami offers exactly the kind of middle-of-the-order punch and long-term upside the Rangers crave.

According to multiple reports, including from Jeff Passan’s offseason “perfect move” list, Murakami is among the most coveted free-agent targets for teams looking to build elite lineups.

Meanwhile, an in-depth preview details his recent output in Japan: in just 56 games in 2025 he still smacked 22 home runs and posted a .663 slugging percentage despite an oblique injury.

The Rangers, who already boast a dynamic core of batters, could turn a very good offense into a historically great one by adding a left-handed power hitter of Murakami’s caliber.

This is why the Rangers will sign Munetaka Murakami.

*THIS IS A PREDICTION, NOT A REPORT*

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Munetaka Murakami Joining the Texas Rangers in MLB Free Agency

For the Rangers, the timing is natural. They’ve built a core around elite hitters and have shown they’re willing to spend for impact. Adding Murakami would provide a middle-of-the-order left-handed slugger to balance the lineup and maximize the window with their young pitching and veteran support.

In Passan’s offseason moves breakdown he names the Rangers specifically as a team that could “reignite their lineup” by adding Murakami, calling it the perfect fit. With teams jockeying for power bats this winter, Texas has both the financial flexibility and positional need to get involved in the bidding.

Beyond the individual fit, Murakami brings marketability and generational intrigue. He is one of the most hyped Japanese players to transition to MLB, which brings global attention, merchandise buzz and a new level of star appeal to the Rangers franchise.

With Murakami’s power profile (he has max exit velocities of over 116 mph). Texas can add not just a hitter, but a highlight reel weapon. And in the power-hungry AL West, that can help distinguish the Rangers from rival offenses.

Murakami checks the key boxes for the 2025-26 offseason for the Rangers — youth, power, upside, marketability and fit. While his transition to MLB will require adjustment (pitching velocities, strike zone differences, defensive tweaks), the Rangers are in a position to absorb that risk and reap the reward. If Texas wants to signal “we’re ready to contend now and for the next decade,” this is the offseason move that accomplishes exactly that.

Munetaka Murakami Stats

From a stats perspective, Murakami’s profile stands out. His previous seasons in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) include a jaw-dropping 2022 campaign in which he launched 56 home runs, won the Triple Crown and hit .318/.458/.710.

While his 2025 season was shortened to 56 games, he still managed 22 home runs, 47 RBIs and an OPS north of 1.000 (.273/.379/.663).

Those numbers underscore his elite slugging ability and exceptional exit-velocity power. While there are question marks—his strikeout rate has risen in recent seasons and his defense at third base is viewed as below average.