Dodgers' Expected Stance on Japanese Star Munetaka Murakami Revealed

There are, however, clear risk factors that temper the excitement. Murakami’s swing-and-miss rate has risen in recent seasons, with strikeout rates (28.8%) north of where they were during his MVP campaigns (21%). Major-league scouts differ on whether he projects as an everyday third baseman or should settle at first base/DH in MLB.

If he becomes primarily a DH/first-base bat, that raises the stakes on his offensive profile. Still, his age and demonstrated ability to hit for extreme power make a nine-figure contract plausible.

Despite the wide interest, several industry observers say the Los Angeles Dodgers are unlikely to be major players in the Murakami sweepstakes.

"Any time a notable free agent is discussed, the free-spending Dodgers will be in the conversation. That’s especially true when the player in question is coming over from Japan, as Los Angeles already boasts Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Roki Sasaki. The fit, however, is less than ideal," Charlie Wright of MLB Trade Rumors wrote on Monday.

"The Dodgers have Ohtani plugged into the DH spot on a daily basis. Freddie Freeman will hold down first base through 2027. The Dodgers picked up Max Muncy’s club option and will have him at third base again next year, barring a trade," he continued.

"Murakami did make a start in the outfield this past season, so maybe that would be an avenue for the Dodgers to make it work, but it’d be surprising to see him signed and plugged into the outfield on a full-time basis," he added.

The Dodgers went after the biggest Japanese free agents in the past two seasons. They signed Shohei Ohtani to a headline 10-year contract and later added pitching star Yoshinobu Yamamoto via the posting system in a marquee deal. Hence, why this appears to be so contrary to the team's nature.