White Sox Sign Japanese Slugger Munetaka Murakami to Two-Year Deal
The Chicago White Sox have agreed to a two-year, $34 million contract with Munetaka Murakami, according to an ESPN report.
Murakami, 25, is a notable slugger who set the Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) single-season home run record with 56 homers in 2022, surpassing Sadaharu Oh's 1964 mark. Despite being injured in 2025, he hit 22 home runs in 56 games and has a career total of 265 homers across 1,003 games.
Primarily a third baseman or first baseman defensively, Murakami could also serve as the White Sox's designated hitter.
This signing is part of Chicago's rebuilding efforts following several years of underperformance. The team has not reached the playoffs since 2021 and has not contended for the American League pennant since 2005. In 2025, the White Sox improved their record to 60 wins, up from 41 in 2024.
Looking ahead to 2026, the club anticipates contributions from several players under 25, including Chase Meidroth, Colson Montgomery, Edgar Quero, and Brooks Baldwin. Additionally, Shane Smith, an All-Star last year, is expected to lead the pitching rotation after posting a 3.81 ERA and recording 145 strikeouts during his rookie season.
