While most of the young and enthusiastic have the American Dream, the Los Angeles Dodgers have a Japanese Dream. Every year, the Japanese baseball fraternity brings on more and more young talents who are ready to hit the MLB. This season would be no different.
The Dodgers are actively looking at Japan’s team. They have a long history of attracting talents from the country, and many still strive to make it to the team. One such name is Munetaka Murakami. The 24-year-old slugger has already been making the headlines in sports media. He is coming off an impressive NPB performance. With a career total of 224 home runs, 600 RBIs, and a .945 OPS over 836 games, LA is his next big breaking.
He intentionally or unintentionally stirred the social media pot while he was donning a Dodgers hat during the New Year celebration. However, it was nothing new for a Japanese prospect to want a ticket to LA. And the timing is also interesting, as Murakami is set to leave NPB following the 2025 season.
メリークリスマス🎄 pic.twitter.com/1znsBrRBRe
— 村上宗隆 (@munetaka55ys) December 25, 2024
The young baseball star won’t find awkwardness on the bench if he makes it to the team. There have already been a few of his country mates like Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Additionally, the Dodgers have strategically positioned themselves as a nurturing environment for international stars. They had two of the most sensational contracts handed over to Ohtani and Yamamoto for $700 million and $325 million, respectively.
Also Read: Jack Flaherty Rumors: Dodgers Star Could Seal Deal With AL East Rival
Los Angeles Dodgers Manager Could Break MLB Record
The Dodgers are working on all fronts. On one side, the front office is doing the maths for free agency, and they have their coaching lineup make the most out of their efforts. Their manager for nine years, Dave Roberts, is on the brink of making history as he could become the highest-paid manager in MLB. And it’s hard to argue he doesn’t deserve it.
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After about a decade of incredible years at the helm of the Los Angeles Dodgers, his record speaks volumes. He got them eight division titles, four National League pennants, and two World Series championships. Not to mention, he holds the highest winning percentage among non-Negro League managers in baseball history!
Dave Roberts was snubbed as a finalist for NL Manager of the Year. Carlos Mendoza, Pat Murphy and Mike Shildt are finalists.
— Noah Camras (@noahcamras) November 11, 2024
This was arguably Roberts' best job as a manager, navigating through injuries and finishing with the best record in MLB.
He's only won the award once. pic.twitter.com/14Cl9Revsp
As Roberts heads into the last year of his current contract, all eyes are on the Dodgers. If things work out, a new deal might just surpass the five-year, $40 million contract recently given to Craig Counsell by the Cubs.
Despite facing some tough moments last season, he still managed to lead the team to another World Series title. He joins the legendary ranks of Tommy Lasorda and Walter Alston. And as long as he’s ready to keep winning for Los Angeles, and regardless of what happens in 2025, the management won’t think otherwise.
