The Philadelphia Phillies are poised to be significant contenders in free agency this offseason. Even after winning the 2025 National League East by a commanding 13 games, the front office is aiming to reshape the roster. At the top of their to-do list is bringing back power hitter Kyle Schwarber.
Still, president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski is expected to pursue additional major moves. Third baseman Alec Bohm has been the subject of trade rumors since early November, and if the Phillies do deal him, they’ll be in the market for a capable replacement.
Signing Alex Bregman is likely the team’s preferred option. Nevertheless, several teams are currently chasing the infielder, and the Phillies may miss out on grabbing the former Astro. If this is the case, Philadelphia could turn its attention to Munetaka Murakami.
CBS Sports reporter Mike Axisa has claimed that the Phillies are one of the top landing spots for the Japanese star. “Trading Alec Bohm and putting Murakami at third base is the easy move,” Axisa wrote on November 24.
“Philadelphia’s World Series window is as open as it’s going to get, and home runs win in the postseason. Murakami hits ’em. The Phillies have an opening at DH and can easily create an opening at third base. Hmmm.”
MLB Analyst Compares Munetaka Murakami’s Hitting Power to Kyle Schwarber
Murakami brings no shortage of power. The natural third baseman smashed 56 home runs for the Tokyo Yakult Swallows in 2022, and in 2025 he added 22 more in only 56 games. Despite the injury-shortened season, he nearly drove in a run per game and finished with a dominant 1.043 OPS.
The now 26-year-old has been compared to top MLB stars such as Pete Alonso and Schwarber. “This is a legitimate, ridiculous power hitter,” CBS Sports analyst Jim Bowden said of Murakami in November. “He does profile as a 30-40 home run type guy. Think of the power of Kyle Schwarber and Pete Alonso. That’s the kind of power, and maybe even more.”
Having two Schwarber-type players on in the lineup would be a massive advantage for the Phillies. Murakami is versatile enough to swap positions if needed as well. Although he featured at third base a majority of the time throughout his career in Japan, he also has experience at first base and in the outfield.
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