In recent years, one big difference between the Yankees and the Dodgers has been how they approach Japanese talent. Notably, the Dodgers have become the go-to destination for Japan’s top stars, with several big names already on their roster. The Yankees, on the other hand, haven’t signed a major Japanese player in quite some time, and that drought could continue this winter.

Sure, there’s been buzz about New York showing interest in Japan’s latest hitting sensation, Munetaka Murakami. But insiders suggest the Yankees might be hesitant. Often called the “Aaron Judge of Japan” because of his impressive power numbers, Murakami has drawn plenty of attention from MLB teams. Still, some recent stats hint that he might not be quite as dominant as the hype suggests.

“Munetaka Murakami’s Contact% (per SIS): 63.9% Giancarlo Stanton’s Contact% (per SIS): 65.1% The average fastball in the NPB is over 1 MPH slower than MLB. How does anyone think this is a big bat?”MLB insider Ryan Garcia shared an unpopular opinion.

Now, as per this stat, even Stanton is better connecting with the pitch fastballs compared to Murakami. In comparison, Aaron Judge’s hard-hit hit % is 58.2%, let alone his overall contact stats. Hence, as per Garcia, the Yankees already have a better slugger than Murakami on the team and shouldn’t go big to tap the Japanese slugger.

That’s not to say Murakami isn’t producing, but far from it. Reportedly, despite an injury-shortened 2025 season, he still managed to hit 22 home runs, 47 RBIs, and post a 1.043 OPS in just 56 games. Thus, showing flashes of the same power that made him famous during his 56-homer season. However, it was back in 2022 when Murakami truly broke out, hitting .318 with 56 HRs and a 48.5% hard-hit rate, numbers that turned heads across baseball.

So yes, he could absolutely bring some much-needed power to the Yankees’ lineup, but that kind of talent won’t come cheap. According to Steve Adams of MLB Trade Rumors, Murakami’s age and proven track record could easily make him a nine-figure player. He has the potential to command anywhere from $200 million to $300 million or more.

Now that leaves the big question… Should the Yankees make a run at him, even if his recent numbers don’t quite scream once-in-a-generation talent?

The Yankees would face a lot of competition

No matter what the stats say, don’t assume the Yankees can just waltz in and land Murakami. Why? Because top teams like the Dodgers, Mets, and Red Sox are already in the mix. And among them, the Red Sox are emerging as the likely frontrunner, mainly because Alex Bregman could hit free agency soon. If Bregman opts out of the last two years of his contract, Boston would be in the market for a slugging corner infielder, making Murakami a perfect fit.

Well, Murakami, the power-hitting corner infielder phenom, has been linked to Boston multiple times, most recently by MLB insider Mark Feinsand.

He pointed out that the Red Sox could slot Murakami at first or third base if Bregman signs elsewhere. Sure, Murakami isn’t quite as reliable defensively as Bregman. He made six errors in 63 games at third last season, but he would definitely address Boston’s power gap.

The big question, though, is the same as with the Yankees… Would the Red Sox be willing to meet his projected price tag?