The New York Yankees are exploring a new frontier in the Japanese free agent market, with Munetaka Murakami emerging as a potential surprise addition to their infield for 2026. After missing out on Yoshinobu Yamamoto in 2025, the Yankees appear determined not to let another Japanese star slip through their fingers.

Murakami, a 25-year-old third baseman from Nippon Professional Baseball, is projected to play first base if signed by an MLB team. While his bat draws attention, questions remain about his defensive skills and how he would fit into New York’s current roster construction.

“The Yankees have a history of highly valuing exit velocity and age when it comes to acquiring players, so they’re one of the rumored potential landing spots more because of their expected evaluation of Muraka

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