The main reason the Los Angeles Dodgers managed to become World Series champions was, without a doubt, Yoshinobu Yamamoto. They’ve now secured back-to-back titles, but thoughts are already turning to a three-peat that no longer sounds crazy. With that goal in mind, the Japanese star is acting as a recruiter, trying to lure one of the top Japanese free agents on the market.
We’re talking about another highly coveted superstar who could join the growing list of Japanese players on the Dodgers – a move many across MLB would love to see.
Yamamoto and a sushi dinner that could sway Munetaka Murakami
A photo circulating online shows the two players enjoying a sushi dinner together, instantly sparking speculation and raising hopes that Yamamoto might convince Munetaka Murakami, the slugger expected to reach MLB next season.
Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto and top Japanese free agent Munetaka Murakami grabbed dinner together
(via kenshiro_saito / IG) pic.twitter.com/I9lCFGYEGg
? Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) November 20, 2025
At 27 years old, Yamamoto is already in his second season with the Dodgers after arriving from Japan. He was the undeniable hero of the most recent World Series: he won three games against the Toronto Blue Jays – all on the road – including Games 6 and 7, delivering one of the most legendary postseason performances ever. There was no way the World Series MVP could go to anyone else.
Together with Shohei Ohtani, the regular-season MVP, he forms the most dominant Japanese duo MLB has ever seen. They’ve since been joined by Roki Sasaki, another gem from Japanese baseball that Los Angeles managed to sign.
Could Munetaka Murakami be next? The most sought-after hitter since Ohtani himself might add even more firepower to this already stacked roster. In 2022, Murakami broke the NPB single-season home-run record with 56 homers, won the Triple Crown, and was named Central League MVP. Last year he hit 33 home runs – all at just 25 years old.
The Dodgers already carried MLB’s highest payroll last season at $350 million. Will they push it even higher to land Murakami? Yamamoto being spotted at dinner with him only adds fuel to the fire – and to the dreams of Dodgers fans.
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