The Seattle Mariners are games away from potentially playing in the team’s first World Series, but the club is already being floated as a top landing spot for players this offseason. Seattle won their first home playoff game in 24 years and made the ALCS for the first time since 2001.
The Mariners needed all 15 innings to make it happen in Game 5 of the ALDS versus the Detroit Tigers, the longest winner-take-all game in MLB history. During the offseason, Seattle could turn to an international star to bolster their lineup even more for 2026.
Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley offered predictions for some of the biggest free agents and added a wild card pick as well. Buckley predicts the Mariners will land Japanese slugger Munetaka Murakami.
Here’s what you need to know about Murakami’s potential fit with the Mariners.
The Mariners Are in Danger of Losing 1B Josh Naylor &3B Eugenio Suarez in MLB Free Agency
The bad news is the Mariners could be in danger of losing first baseman Josh Naylor and third baseman Eugenio Suarez in MLB free agency. Both were trade deadline additions for Seattle.
Murakami could be a great replacement option if either of these veterans walk. Bleacher Report predicts Murakami will sign a massive 10-year, $225 million contract with the Mariners.
“Another Japanese star could soon join the MLB ranks,” Buckley wrote in an October 14, 2025, story titled, “Top 2025 MLB Free Agents Rumors, Predictions amid ALCS, NLCS Bracket.” “Per MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand, slugger and corner infielder Munetaka Murakami is expected to be posted by the Yakult Swallows of Nippon Professional Baseball this winter.
“This was to be expected. Murakami has made plenty of buzz with his bat, slugging 246 home runs in 892 career games, including a 56-homer effort in 2022. He has primarily played third base, but he has experience at first base, too,” Buckley added.
“Just 25 years old, Murakami is the kind of free agent who might hold nearly universal appeal in the big leagues. That said, our predictions see him ultimately signing with the Seattle Mariners, who could lose both first baseman Josh Naylor and third baseman Eugenio Suárez to free agency.”
Mariners, Yankees, Phillies & Mets Among Teams Expected to Make ‘Big Push’ to Land Munetaka Murakami: Report
The Mariners are among the teams already being linked to Murakami if the slugger kicks the tires on a move to the United States. Seattle could have competition with teams like the New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies and New York Mets also being connected to the star in the latest MLB rumors.
“Nikkan Sports reported this week that the Yankees, Mets, Phillies and Mariners are among the teams that could make a big push for Murakami, who hit 22 home runs with 47 RBIs and a 1.043 OPS in 56 games during an injury-shortened 2025 campaign, flashing the type of power he showed in his 56-homer season,” MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand detailed in an October 10, article titled, “What could Japanese star Munetaka Murakami’s market look like?”
“Sources say the Dodgers, Giants and Red Sox could also be in the mix, though much of it will depend on how each team views his ability to play first and/or third, or his willingness to be a designated hitter.”
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