The Los Angeles Dodgers are the current favorites to sign Japanese slugger Munetaka Murakami ahead of the Giants and Yankees, according to prediction market Kalshi
Munetaka Murakami will come to MLB in 2026 after eight seasons in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball league(Image: Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images)
The 2026 season will see yet another Japanese-born phenom join Major League Baseball, and many teams will be vying for his signature in the coming weeks.
Munetaka Murakami, considered one of the greatest home run hitters in Nippon Professional Baseball history, will likely command a nine-figure deal from an MLB team this offseason. It will come after another world class home hitter in Pete Alonso signed with the Baltimore Orioles this week.
The 25-year-old entered the posting system in early November, the typical transition process for players to move from Japan’s NPB to MLB, and is expected to sign a contract before his posting deadline expires at 5 pm on December 22.
READ MORE: Cody Bellinger next team odds: Both New York teams in the hunt for MLB starREAD MORE: Why Mets did not even make contract offer to all-time HR leader Pete Alonso
To no one’s surprise, the Los Angeles Dodgers are considered the favorites to sign Murakami.
Prediction market platform Kalshi gives the back to back World Series champions a 21 percent chance to sign Murakami and team him up with their roster full of Japanese international superstars.
Los Angeles has developed a reputation as the premier landing spot for Japan’s top prospects, including Shohei Ohtani, who began his career with the Los Angeles Angels before moving across town to the Dodgers, World Series MVP Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and flamethrower Roki Sasaki, each of whom were crucial to LA’s recent championship campaign.
The San Francisco Giants (19 percent), New York Yankees (17 percent), New York Mets (16 percent), and Angels (14) closely trail the Dodgers in Kalshi’s prediction market, indicating Murakami’s destination remains very much up in the air.
Munetaka Murakami hit a two-run walk-off double in the 2023 World Baseball Classic semifinals against Mexico(Image: Photo by Gene Wang/Getty Images)
Murakami has a unique player profile compared to some of his predecessors who left Japan for MLB.
Listed at 6-foot-2 and 213 pounds, Murakami is a left-handed power hitter who primarily plays third base, but can switch to first base, too.
For a team like the Dodgers, who have veterans Max Muncy and Freddie Freeman as everyday starters in those positions, Murakami’s positional preferences may play into which club he decides to join.
What is not up for debate is Murakami’s power at the plate.
READ MORE: Kyle Tucker next team odds: Toronto Blue Jays favored over Yankees, DodgersREAD MORE: Los Angeles Dodgers favored to land Cy Young award winning pitcher over Mets, Tigers
In eight seasons playing for the Tokyo Yakult Swallows, Murakami hit 246 home runs, including a NPB-record 56 home run season in 2022 that broke Sadaharu Oh’s record that held for 58 years.
Before Murakami ever records an MLB at-bat, fans will have a chance to watch him play for Japan in the World Baseball Classic this March.
This information is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be relied upon for financial reasons or to determine a specific course of action. Information should not be used in violation of any law or regulation. Use this information responsibly and at your own risk.
Gambling problem? Click here or call 1-800-522-4700 for help from the National Problem Gambling Helpline.