Munetaka Murakami's big bat kicks off White Sox spring training

New slugger's powerful swings highlight first workouts as pitchers and catchers report to Glendale

Feb. 10, 2026 at 4:23pm

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Munetaka Murakami, the White Sox's new slugging first baseman, made a big impression on the first day of spring training in Glendale, Arizona, as pitchers and catchers officially reported to camp. Murakami's booming home runs during batting practice were a highlight, with manager Will Venable praising his powerful swing and personable presence that will make him a great addition to the clubhouse.

Why it matters

The White Sox are hoping Murakami's big bat can help turn the team's fortunes around after a few down seasons. His arrival, along with other offseason acquisitions like former Blue Jays reliever Seranthony Domínguez, have the young core of Sox players excited for the upcoming season and the chance to compete.

The details

Murakami, who will represent Japan in the upcoming World Baseball Classic, has been getting in some early swings at Camelback Ranch as the White Sox begin their spring training preparations. Manager Will Venable praised Murakami's powerful stroke and said the team is "excited to get him going" and "watch him go and do his thing in games." Several other White Sox players, including pitcher Jonathan Cannon and reliever Tyler Gilbert, also expressed optimism about the team's outlook for the 2026 season.

  • Pitchers and catchers officially reported to spring training in Glendale, Arizona on February 10, 2026.
  • The White Sox will have several players leave camp later this month to represent their home countries in the World Baseball Classic.

The players

Munetaka Murakami

The White Sox's new slugging first baseman who has been impressing with his powerful swing during early spring training workouts.

Will Venable

The White Sox's manager, who praised Murakami's powerful stroke and personable presence that will make him a great addition to the clubhouse.

Mike Vasil

A young White Sox pitcher who is excited about the team's offseason improvements and the chance to compete this season.

Jonathan Cannon

A White Sox starting pitcher who is looking forward to seeing where the team's improved roster can take them this year.

Tyler Gilbert

A White Sox reliever who is hoping to get back the glove that was confiscated by umpires last season due to concerns about sticky substances, even though the league later determined it was not illegal.

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What they’re saying

“That's what he does. He's got a powerful stroke, certainly excited to get him going here, get him involved in the program, and watch him go and do his thing in games.”

— Will Venable, Manager

“When you're at home in the offseason, seeing that moves are being made and the team's improving and everything, it's very, very exciting.”

— Mike Vasil, Pitcher

“This is just a great unit, we all get along, we're all friends, we all kept up this offseason. I'm excited to see where it takes us this year.”

— Jonathan Cannon, Pitcher

What’s next

Several White Sox players, including Murakami, Seranthony Domínguez, Kyle Teel, Sam Antonacci, and Curtis Mead, will leave spring training camp later this month to represent their home countries in the World Baseball Classic.

The takeaway

The White Sox are entering the 2026 season with renewed optimism, buoyed by the arrival of powerful slugger Munetaka Murakami and other key offseason additions. The team's young core is excited about the chance to compete and potentially turn the corner after a few down years, setting the stage for an intriguing season ahead.