Story perspectives

Mets Eye Munetaka Murakami Amid $150M Bidding War

10/13/2025

Summary

Story summary

Mets pursue Munetaka Murakami after he is posted by the Tokyo Yakult Swallows this offseason.
Murakami has a career .951 OPS and 265 home runs across eight seasons.
If Pete Alonso departs, Murakami could fill a first-base role for the Mets, with Yankees and Dodgers also interested.
The move could exceed $150 million and may affect Japan's 2026 World Baseball Classic roster due to contract restrictions.

History

Historical Context

The posting system, established in 1998, revolutionized player transfers from Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) to Major League Baseball (MLB). This system emerged after issues with player movement, notably involving Hideo Nomo and Alfonso Soriano. In 2013, the system was revised, allowing players like Masahiro Tanaka to negotiate lucrative contracts, such as his $155 million deal with the New York Yankees, highlighting ongoing interest in Japanese talent.

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Story summary

Mets pursue Munetaka Murakami after he is posted by the Tokyo Yakult Swallows this offseason.
Murakami has a career .951 OPS and 265 home runs across eight seasons.
If Pete Alonso departs, Murakami could fill a first-base role for the Mets, with Yankees and Dodgers also interested.
The move could exceed $150 million and may affect Japan's 2026 World Baseball Classic roster due to contract restrictions.

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