Multiple Japanese media outlets have reported that Tetsuya Hayashida, President and acting owner of the Tokyo Yakult Swallows, publicly spoke about slugger and star Samurai Japan third baseman Munetaka Murakami's desire to be posted and play in the Majors for the first time. Hayashida stated that the club intends to allow him to pursue a move to Major League Baseball.
"If he wishes for it, we are willing to submit a posting system application for him," Hayashida said. "Our hope is for him to succeed. He supported the team so much in such a short period and made a big contribution. He’s a player we care a lot about,” he reiterated, showing a willingness to approve the move.
Murakami, who hammered a record 56 home runs by a Japanese-born player in the NPB in 2022 and captured Major League attention, announced last December that this would be his final season in Japan. Because he has not yet reached nine years of service time, the necessary amount an NPB player must accrue to become an unrestricted free agent, he'll need the Swallows to post him this offseason.
The corner infielder has only been able to suit up for one game this season. Murakami underwent arthroscopic cleaning surgery on his right elbow last December and was initially expected to return in a few months, but in March he reported upper-body discomfort. He returned to the team on April 17 before re-injuring himself. He is currently going through the rehab process.
Despite the situation, the team has indicated that if Murakami wishes to be posted, they will allow it. However, Hayashida also acknowledged that MLB teams' evaluations of Murakami may not align with his expectations.
“Depending on how MLB teams evaluate him, Murakami will likely reconsider his options," Hayashida said. "No matter what kind of decision he makes, we want to be there for him to support and advise him as needed.”