The Boston Red Sox’s lineup could use another power bat, and another option is expected to enter the fold.

Nippon Professional Baseball’s Yakult Swallows are expected to post Munetaka Murakami this offseason, according to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand . The Japanese slugger will become an MLB free agent after hitting 22 home runs in 56 games during a 2025 campaign stunted by injuries.

Feinsand identified the New York Mets, New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies and Seattle Mariners as teams expected to make a “big push” for Murakami. The insider also named the Boston Red Sox as a potential suitor.

“The Red Sox could use Murakami at first base,” Feinsand wrote. “Or if Alex Bregman opts out and signs elsewhere, they would have a vacancy at third base.”

Murakami looked like Japan’s next supe

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