Munetaka Murakami MLB posting eligibility: Top 3 landing spots for Japanese pitching phenom

Munetaka Murakami has long been one of the most exciting players in the Nippon Baseball League. Oftentimes, those players eventually make the transition to the MLB, like Shohei Ohtani, Masahiro Tanaka and others.

However, Murakami signed a three-year deal in the NBL in 2022, which means the Munetaka Murakami MLB posting eligibility is delayed until 2025. When that time comes, MLB teams will line up to sign the infielder. Which teams actually stand a chance at adding him?

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Munetaka Murakami landing spots when his MLB posting comes in 2025

3) New York Yankees

The New York Yankees are always in on every big free agent, especially the international ones. Murakami will be no exception. By 2025, Josh Donaldson will surely be on his way out and the Yankees will need a corner infielder. Anthony Rizzo's back might give out before then, too.

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2) Houston Astros

In 2025, Alex Bregman will be a 32-year-old free agent and Jose Abreu will be aa 38-year-old free agent. Munetaka Murakami plays both of their positions, making the Houston Astros a prime candidate to be aggressive for the star infielder. The Astros have a unique mix of veterans and young stars and Murakami could be an easy way to replace these two veterans.

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1) St. Louis Cardinals

Could Murakami replace Paul Goldschmidt?

In 2025, reigning NL MVP Paul Goldschmidt is a free agent. He's also going to be 38 years old and likely moving out of his prime. What better way to replace him than with Murakami? The Japanese infielder has immense upside and plays both first and third base, meaning he could spell a veteran Nolan Arenado, too.