As deadline nears, Munetaka Murakami’s quiet free agency takes center stage

The mystery around Japanese star Munetaka Murakami's free agency has been intriguing.  His MLB posting window is closing quickly, ending Monday, 5 p.m. ET deadline.

There have been no team tours, no leaked dinner photos, no social media breadcrumbs. And according to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, that quiet appears to be by design.

On Foul Territory, Nightengale said he believes Murakami has likely instructed his agency to keep the process private, similar to how other Japanese stars have handled their transitions to Major League Baseball. Roki Sasaki has taken a low-profile approach, and even Shohei Ohtani’s path to the Dodgers was quieter than fans remember until his decision was essentially finalized.

In Murakami’s case, Nightengale suggested the lack of public buzz could actually help the player, allowing negotiations to play out without leverage battles or speculation driving the narrative. It also opens the door for a sudden announcement once a deal is complete.

That silence is notable given Murakami’s standing in Nippon Professional Baseball.

The 25-year-old slugger is one of the most accomplished hitters Japan has produced in decades. With the Tokyo Yakult Swallows, Murakami owns a career .270/.394/.557 slash line with 246 home runs. In 2022, he became the youngest Triple Crown winner in NPB history after blasting 56 homers, earning league MVP honors. Even during an injury-limited 2025 season, he hit 22 home runs in just 56 games.

That resume and the age explain why teams have been monitoring him closely since he was posted.

Nightengale floated the Detroit Tigers as a possible example of a club that could fit Murakami’s quiet approach. Detroit has a clear need at third base, payroll flexibility, and a front office that typically operates without leaks. Murakami would immediately step into a middle-of-the-order role rather than being asked to complement an already established lineup.

Other teams have surfaced in industry chatter, including the Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, and New York Mets, though those markets tend to generate more visible smoke. The continued absence of leaks has only fueled speculation that Murakami’s decision could arrive suddenly, with little advance warning.

As the posting deadline approaches, the lack of noise should not be mistaken for a lack of movement. If Nightengale’s read is correct, Murakami’s next team may be revealed all at once, quietly and without buildup.