Los Angeles Dodgers Predicted to Pursue Japanese Phenom Munetaka Murakami as Ideal Long-Term Replacement for Veteran Slugger Max Muncy

The Los Angeles Dodgers have never shied away from bold, headline-grabbing moves, and according to several MLB insiders, they may already have their eyes set on another international splash to bolster their future lineup. With Max Muncy aging and currently battling inconsistency, the Dodgers are reportedly showing interest in Japanese slugger Munetaka Murakami, a rising superstar in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), as a potential long-term replacement.

Murakami, a left-handed power-hitting third baseman who currently plays for the Tokyo Yakult Swallows, has drawn attention from MLB front offices for years. But the timing now seems especially ideal for a major league jump—and the Dodgers, always proactive when it comes to elite international talent, are seen as one of the frontrunners in any future bidding war.

Max Muncy, who has served the Dodgers faithfully for nearly a decade, is beloved by fans for his clutch performances and positional versatility. However, as the team looks to sustain its dominance in a highly competitive National League, questions about long-term lineup construction have become more pressing. Muncy’s recent injuries, declining defensive metrics, and streaky bat have prompted the front office to begin exploring options for the future—especially with an eye on third base and designated hitter roles.

Enter Murakami.

At just 25 years old, Murakami has already solidified himself as a generational talent in Japan. In 2022, he made history by hitting 56 home runs, breaking Sadaharu Oh’s longstanding record for most home runs in a season by a Japanese-born player. That same year, he was named NPB MVP, hitting .318 with 134 RBIs. His blend of bat speed, discipline, and raw strength has scouts projecting him as a legitimate middle-of-the-order threat in MLB.

The Dodgers’ interest in Japanese talent has already been proven. The blockbuster signing of Shohei Ohtani this past offseason sent shockwaves through baseball, not just for its $700 million price tag, but for what it symbolized—the Dodgers’ renewed commitment to expanding their global scouting footprint and integrating international stars into their long-term blueprint. Ohtani, a transcendent two-way superstar, has also reportedly spoken highly of Murakami, both in private and publicly during his time with Team Japan in the World Baseball Classic.

Those close to the situation suggest that Ohtani’s presence in Los Angeles could give the Dodgers a critical recruiting edge. The two players are close friends and shared national pride during Japan’s championship run in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, where Murakami hit the walk-off double that sent Japan to the finals. Ohtani’s endorsement carries enormous weight, and it’s no secret that Murakami views Ohtani as both a mentor and an inspiration.

For the Dodgers, a player like Murakami fits seamlessly into their organizational strategy. He’s young, marketable, and possesses both immediate upside and long-term potential. Signing Murakami would not only inject new power into their lineup but also help future-proof a roster that continues to evolve.

Currently, Murakami is under contract with the Yakult Swallows through the 2025 season, but the team has previously indicated a willingness to post him early if he expresses a strong desire to play in MLB. That decision could come as soon as this offseason, depending on Murakami’s performance and his discussions with team officials. If posted, Murakami would become one of the most sought-after international free agents in years, and the Dodgers are expected to be aggressive.

From a financial perspective, Los Angeles remains one of the few teams with the resources to make such a deal happen. Despite committing massive money to Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Mookie Betts, the Dodgers still have payroll flexibility due to creative contract structuring and a well-managed farm system that continues to produce affordable talent.

That farm system could also play a role in easing Murakami’s transition to MLB. The Dodgers have historically been adept at helping international players adjust to American baseball, both on and off the field. With a support system already in place for Ohtani and Yamamoto, Murakami would be joining a locker room that’s culturally welcoming and professionally familiar.

In terms of on-field fit, Murakami’s left-handed bat would provide a powerful complement to the Dodgers’ right-handed sluggers like Betts and Will Smith. With Muncy’s future uncertain—his contract includes a team option for 2026—the front office is exploring options that can stabilize the hot corner for the next decade. If Muncy remains with the team in a utility or designated hitter role, the Dodgers could deploy Murakami as their everyday third baseman, giving them both power and consistency at a traditionally volatile position.

Some scouts believe Murakami could eventually transition to first base or even designated hitter, depending on how his body develops over time. But his bat will travel, regardless of position. He’s a high-OBP, high-slugging threat with exceptional barrel control and patience—traits that translate well from NPB to MLB.

It’s worth noting that Murakami isn’t the only Japanese star on the Dodgers’ radar. Sources indicate that the team is also keeping tabs on several rising pitchers and outfielders from Japan, viewing the country as an increasingly vital pipeline of elite talent. But Murakami, by far, is the crown jewel of that list.

While no formal talks have taken place between Murakami’s camp and MLB teams—due to posting regulations and league agreements—the buzz is real. Executives around the league are preparing for a sweepstakes, and the Dodgers’ early positioning suggests they’re not merely interested—they’re preparing to go all in.

Of course, acquiring Murakami won’t come cheap. The posting process requires MLB teams to pay a fee to the NPB club based on the value of the player’s eventual contract. For a player of Murakami’s caliber, that posting fee could soar past $20 million, on top of what could be a multi-year deal worth $100 million or more. But for a franchise like the Dodgers, which thrives on talent and star power, that investment would be seen as both prudent and strategic.

For Max Muncy, the writing may not yet be on the wall, but the chalk is in hand. At 35 years old and coming off another season plagued by inconsistency, he remains a respected veteran and clubhouse leader, but the Dodgers are clearly eyeing the future. If Murakami joins the team, Muncy could see his role shift to part-time duties or a bench bat, assuming he remains with the club beyond 2025.

Dodger fans, known for their savvy understanding of the game, have already begun buzzing on social media about Murakami’s potential arrival. Clips of his monster home runs, charismatic celebrations, and clutch moments in international play are making the rounds, fueling excitement for what could be another transformative move by the front office.

For a franchise that already boasts one of the most globally recognizable rosters in professional sports, adding Murakami would further elevate the Dodgers’ brand and international reach. The presence of Ohtani, Yamamoto, and potentially Murakami on the same team could usher in a new era of global fandom for the Dodgers, particularly in Japan, where baseball reigns supreme.

Ultimately, this story is still unfolding. Murakami has not formally requested to be posted, and the Swallows will have a say in whether and when he’s made available. But make no mistake: the Dodgers are lurking, calculating, and preparing. If Murakami does make the leap to MLB, don’t be surprised if he lands under the bright lights of Dodger Stadium—wearing blue, launching home runs into the right-field pavilion, and writing the next chapter in the storied connection between Japanese baseball and the Los Angeles Dodgers.

As Muncy’s era begins to wane, Murakami could be the next big thing—ushering in power, promise, and a whole new generation of Dodger dominance.