The Los Angeles Dodgers have yet to sign incoming Japanese-born superstar Roki Sasaki. But, the Los Angeles franchise is already linked to another Japanese-born player nearing his rookie MLB season.

Munetaka Murakami announced the 2025 season will be his last in the Nippon Professional Baseball League. Murakami plans to sign with an MLB team for 2026.

Murakami, who will turn 25 in February, posted a photo of himself in front of Christmas lights on X. In the photo, Murakami is pictured wearing a baseball hat representing the Dodgers.

Although it is unconfirmed if the Dodgers have been in contact with Murakami, his accessory choice suggests he is fond of the franchise.

Murakami plays third and first base while being best known for his batting abilities. Last season, the two-time Central League MVP slashed .244/.379/.472 while recording a .851 OPS, 33 home runs, and 86 RBIs. Typically, Murakami has stronger performances at the plate with a career-high 1.168 OPS and .711 slugging percentage in 2022. In the same season, he won the Japanese Triple Crown.

Alongside Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani and starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Murakami was part of Team Japan at the 2023 World Baseball Classic. The four-time NPB All-Star hit a walk-off double in the semifinals and a solo homer in the championship game of the tournament.

Murakami will have accumulated eight years of service time by the end of next season. However, players in the NPB must have at least nine years of service time to be unrestricted international free agents. Therefore, Murakami must be posted by the Tokyo Yakult Swallows to be eligible for MLB free agency next offseason.