Could Munetaka Murakami Be the Power Bat the Padres Need?
The San Diego Padres have made it clear they need to add some punch to their lineup this offseason-and with the posting window for Japanese slugger Munetaka Murakami closing fast, the clock is ticking on what could be a game-changing opportunity.
Murakami, a left-handed power hitter from the Yakult Swallows, has until December 22 at 5:00 p.m. to sign with a Major League team. That’s less than a week away, and while the buzz around his name has quieted since the initial posting frenzy, the interest is still there. The Padres are one of several teams reportedly in the mix, alongside the Blue Jays, Red Sox, Mets, Yankees, and Pirates.
So what’s holding teams back from jumping in with both feet? It mostly comes down to how Murakami’s bat will translate against Major League pitching-specifically, elite velocity.
A Mixed Bag Against Heat, But Plenty of Upside
There’s been some concern around Murakami’s ability to handle high-velocity fastballs. Reports from Japan say he hit just .231 against pitches above 93 mph.
But here’s the twist: even with that batting average, he still posted a strong .833 OPS in those matchups. That tells us he’s still finding ways to do damage, even if he’s not squaring everything up consistently.
And let’s be real-pitchers in NPB don’t throw triple-digit heat nearly as often as they do in MLB. Adjusting to velocity is a hurdle every international hitter faces, and Murakami will likely need time. But given his track record, there’s no reason to think he won’t figure it out.
A Historic Bat with Youth on His Side
Let’s not forget who we’re talking about here. Murakami is just 25, and he’s already done things in Japan that few have ever accomplished.
In 2022, he became the youngest player in NPB history to win the Triple Crown, launching 56 home runs, driving in 134 runs, and hitting .318 with a ridiculous 1.169 OPS over 141 games. That’s not just elite-it’s generational.
Over eight seasons in Japan, Murakami has racked up 265 home runs and a career .949 OPS in more than 3,500 at-bats. Those are the kind of numbers that jump off the page, regardless of league or country.
Yes, he’ll strike out. And yes, his walk rate has dipped a bit.
But the power is real, and it’s the kind that can anchor the heart of a lineup. For a Padres team looking to retool its offense, he could be exactly what they need.
What’s the Price Tag?
Murakami’s initial asking price has reportedly come down, with some sources suggesting a five- or six-year deal in the $16-21 million per year range could get it done. That’s a reasonable number for a player with his upside, especially considering his age and production history.
Of course, the Padres aren’t exactly flush with cash at the moment. Their financial flexibility is limited, and bringing in Murakami would likely require moving some veteran contracts. But if they can clear the space, this might be the kind of calculated risk that pays off in a big way.
Durability and Defensive Fit
Injuries were a bit of a speed bump for Murakami in 2025-he dealt with an elbow issue and an oblique strain that flared up a few times. But historically, he’s been a durable, everyday player. Prior to this past season, he played at least 140 games in five of the previous six years.
Defensively, he’s a corner infielder who throws right-handed and has held his own against left-handed pitching. That versatility adds value, especially for a team like the Padres that may need to shuffle pieces around to make the roster work.
The Adjustment Period Is Real-But Worth It
History tells us that Japanese position players often take time to adjust to Major League Baseball. The pitching is faster, the travel is longer, and the schedule is more demanding. Murakami won’t be the exception to that rule.
But what separates him from others is his combination of youth, power, and proven production. If he can make the necessary adjustments-and there’s every reason to believe he can-he has the potential to be a middle-of-the-order force for years to come.
Final Countdown
With just days left before Murakami’s signing window closes, the Padres have a decision to make. If they can find a way to clear the financial space, this is a move that could reshape their offense and inject new life into a team that underperformed in 2025.
There are risks, sure. But there are no glaring red flags. Murakami’s bat has the kind of upside that’s hard to ignore-and if San Diego wants to stay competitive in a loaded NL West, this might be the swing they need to take.