Pirates Emerge as Surprise Contender for Japanese Slugger Munetaka Murakami

The Pittsburgh Pirates are aggressively pursuing power this offseason. Their latest target is Japanese home run king Munetaka Murakami. According to MLB Network, the Pirates are among several teams vying for his signature. The deadline to sign him is December 22.

Missing out on Kyle Schwarber has intensified their search. Murakami represents a major opportunity to transform their weak lineup. The Pirates finished last in MLB in home runs and RBIs in 2025.

Pittsburgh Joins Bidding War for NPB Star

Jon Morosi of MLB Network reported the news. The Pirates are competing with big-market clubs like Boston, Philadelphia, and Toronto. Detroit and Seattle are also reportedly in the mix.

This places Pittsburgh in an unusual position. They are typically not major players for top international free agents. The interest signals a clear shift in their offseason strategy.

Teams have only until 5 p.m. on December 22 to secure a deal. If no agreement is reached, Murakami will return to the Tokyo Yakult Swallows. The clock is ticking for the Pirates front office.

Murakami’s Power Would Fix Pirates’ Biggest Weakness

The Pirates’ offensive struggles were historic last season. They need a consistent power threat desperately. Murakami has been exactly that in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball.

He has hit at least 20 home runs in seven of his eight professional seasons. His career peak was a record 56-homer campaign in 2022. That power would instantly become the best on Pittsburgh’s roster.

Oneil Cruz led the 2025 Pirates with just 20 homers. Murakami has surpassed that mark every year since his rookie season. He is also only 25 years old, fitting the team’s rebuilding timeline.

Can the Pirates Actually Land Their Big Bat?

The Pirates’ substantial offer to Kyle Schwarber shows new financial willingness. Signing Murakami would require a significant posting fee and contract. His market is crowded with deeper-pocketed teams.

However, Pittsburgh could offer an immediate starting role at designated hitter. Morosi noted some clubs view Murakami as a secondary option. An aggressive, guaranteed offer from the Pirates could be persuasive.

The team has also been connected to other power hitters like Kazuma Okamoto. Securing Murakami would be a franchise-altering move. It would demonstrate a serious commitment to ending their long playoff drought.

The Pirates’ pursuit of Munetaka Murakami is a bold gamble to inject elite power into their lineup. His potential signing would mark a new chapter for the franchise. Pittsburgh fans are watching the December 22 deadline closely.

Info at your fingertips

Who is Munetaka Murakami?

Munetaka Murakami is a star third baseman for the Tokyo Yakult Swallows in Japan’s NPB. He is a former league MVP who holds the single-season home run record for a Japanese-born player with 56. He also won a gold medal with Team Japan in the 2023 World Baseball Classic.

When is the deadline to sign Murakami?

MLB teams have until 5 p.m. ET on December 22 to sign Munetaka Murakami. If no deal is reached by that deadline, he will return to the Tokyo Yakult Swallows for the 2026 NPB season.

Why do the Pirates want him so much?

The Pirates had the worst offense in baseball last season, ranking last in home runs and RBIs. Murakami’s proven, consistent power would directly address their most glaring weakness and provide a middle-of-the-order anchor for years.

What other teams are interested in him?

According to MLB Network, the Boston Red Sox, Philadelphia Phillies, Toronto Blue Jays, Detroit Tigers, and Seattle Mariners are also in the mix. This puts the Pirates in competition with several larger-market clubs.

What position would he play for the Pirates?

Murakami is primarily a third baseman, but the Pirates have Ke’Bryan Hayes entrenched there. The most likely immediate role for him in Pittsburgh would be as the everyday designated hitter.

Did the Pirates try to sign other power hitters?

Yes. The Pirates made a competitive four-year offer to National League MVP finalist Kyle Schwarber, who re-signed with Philadelphia. They have also been linked to free agents Jorge Polanco, Ryan O’Hearn, and Japanese star Kazuma Okamoto.