Next big Japanese slugger could solve Phillies' Kyle Schwarber, Alec Bohm dilemmas

Munetaka Murakami is a power-hitting Japanese infielder who could solve the Philadelphia Phillies' dilemmas with Kyle Schwarber or Alec Bohm. According to MLB.com's Jon Paul Morosi, the Phillies could sign Murakami this winter if Schwarber doesn't re-sign with the club or Bohm is traded.

Murakami has played for eight seasons with the Tokyo Yakult Swallows of the Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) league. He can play either first or third base or be used as a designated hitter. He is one of several Japanese stars who will have his share of MLB organizations interested in signing him when he is posted this offseason.

Phillies should consider Japanese star Munetaka Murakami if they need to replace Kyle Schwarber or Alec Bohm

The infielder established himself as a power hitter in the 2019 NPB season as he compiled 36 home runs, 96 RBIs and an .814 OPS in 143 games. The 2022 season was a career year for Murakami as he posted career bests with 56 home runs, 134 RBIs, 118 walks and a 1.168 OPS in 141 games.

According to MLB.com's Mark Feinsand, Murakami has played 75 percent of his games at third base and 25 percent at first base. Feinsand notes that if the Phillies were to sign him, they could play Murakami at first base and move Bryce Harper back to right field.

Harper has said in the past he'd be willing to move back to playing in the outfield if the organization made an addition that could help the team. However, president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski dismissed the notion of moving Harper back to the outfield during his end-of-season press conference.

Murakami dealt with injuries within the last year that limited him, unlike in previous seasons. The Kumamoto, Japan, native underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right elbow in December 2024 and dealt with an oblique strain early in the 2025 season. He returned from his oblique injury in July 2025.

Murakami's age is another appealing factor for clubs that are interested in signing him. He could have a lengthy career in the majors, given that he will turn 26 in February next year. If the Phillies don't re-sign Schwarber, Murakami represents another option for their designated hitter spot.

The Phillies have shown interest in signing Japanese players. Managing partner John Middleton and Dombrowski made a substantial offer to free agent pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto, which was for more money than what the 2025 World Series MVP agreed to with the Los Angeles Dodgers (12 years, $325 million). Yamamoto preferred the Dodgers due to being a fan of the team, according to Dombrowski.

Philadelphia signed Japanese pitcher Koyo Aoyagi to a minor-league contract last offseason. However, the 31-year-old struggled in Triple-A Lehigh Valley and Double-A Reading. The Phillies released him in July, and he returned to Japan, signing with the Yakult Swallows.

The Phillies have another opportunity to sign a Japanese player in Murakami who could be one of the next phenoms to take MLB by storm. The home run hitter represents another option for an open position the franchise will need in the future, even if Bohm remains with Philadelphia through the 2026 season and signs with another organization as a free agent next winter.