Welcome back to the 2025-26 edition of Smash or Pass, in which we examine potential free agent and trade targets to determine whether the Red Sox should pursue them and what it would take to land them. Next up, a future star who was recently posted by NPB.

Who is he and where does he come from?

Munetaka Murakami is a left-handed hitting 25-year-old who has been playing in Japan’s NPB—and absolutely tearing it up offensively—since he was a teenager. Recently posted by the Tokyo Yakult Swallows, he’s about to become a big leaguer in MLB. He has until December 22 at 5 p.m. ET to pass a physical and sign on the dotted line.

He played third base in Japan and spent a bit of time at first base too. Forgive me for treating that like an afterthought but defense isn’t his calling card. He could t

See Full Page