Texas Could Really Use a Power Bat at Third Base
By litemindset | Oct. 15, 2025
At first glance, the budget-conscious Texas Rangers might seem like longshots to land Munetaka Murakami — Japan’s latest superstar who’s expected to make the jump to Major League Baseball in 2026.
But thanks to MLB’s international slot money system, the playing field is more balanced than it used to be. That gives all 30 teams, including Texas, at least a chance to chase a high-profile international free agent like Murakami.
A Legitimate Power Threat
Murakami has developed into the premier power hitter in Nippon Professional Baseball while playing for the Yakult Swallows. The 25-year-old left-handed slugger stands 6-foot-2 and weighs 215 pounds. In 2022, he crushed 56 home runs — the most ever by a Japanese-born player in a single season.
Munetaka Murakam
Over 892 career games, Murakami has racked up 246 home runs, earning two MVP awards and four All-Star selections in Japan. His raw power has even drawn comparisons to Shohei Ohtani at the plate.
How Texas Could Make It Work
Munetaka Murakam
While big-market teams like the Dodgers, Yankees, and Mets will no doubt be in the mix, the Rangers aren’t out of the race. Each MLB club is given a set amount of international slot money to spend on amateur international signings. Those funds can also be traded, giving teams flexibility in pursuing foreign talent.
Munetaka Murakam
This offseason, Texas has about $6.67 million in international pool money — roughly middle of the pack across the league. If GM Chris Young and the front office decide to go big, they could structure a competitive offer and make a serious push for Murakami as a middle-of-the-order bat.
A Clear Upgrade for the Infield
Murakami has spent about 75% of his career at third base and the rest at first. Either position would be an upgrade for Texas. Josh Jung hasn’t replicated the offensive production the team hoped for after his 2023 All-Star year, and first base was a revolving door in 2024 with Rowdy Tellez, Jake Burger, Ezequiel Duran, and Josh Smith all getting time there.
Adding Murakami would immediately strengthen the Rangers’ lineup and stabilize a key corner infield spot.
Texas Has a Recruiting Edge
The Rangers — like the Astros — also benefit from Texas’s lack of a state income tax. That financial advantage allows them to offer more competitive deals than teams in higher-tax states, potentially making Arlington a more appealing landing spot for Murakami.
