MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand believes the Los Angeles Dodgers will compete with the New York Yankees for the signature of 25-year-old Japanese superstar Munetaka Murakami in the offseason.<\/p>\n
Murakami, a third baseman, will come to MLB for the 2026 season, and is a highly coveted free agent given his track record overseas. Through his eight seasons in NPB, he has played 1003 games and hit 265 home runs.<\/p>\n
More news: Dodgers Lose 7 Players to Free Agency After World Series Win<\/a><\/p>\n The Dodgers could look to improve at third base this offseason, as Max Muncy will turn 36 in 2026 should the Dodgers choose to opt into the final season of his contract for $10 million next season, and don’t have many serviceable options behind the veteran.<\/p>\n Muncy spent a majority of the back half of 2025 on the injured list, leaving the Dodgers shorthanded in the infield after the All-Star break due to a number of other injuries in their infield. The Dodgers could make a move on Murakami if they want to avoid a similar situation in 2026.<\/p>\n The Yankees also have a need at third base, as Ryan McMahon \u2014 who they acquired at the trade deadline to temporarily fill the hole \u2014 will test free agency as well. McMahon played the largest share of the Yankees’ games at third base; however, they had eight different players feature at the position last season.<\/p>\n