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White Sox Welcome Munetaka Murakami to Spring Training
The Japanese superstar joins the team after a blockbuster offseason signing.
Published on Feb. 8, 2026
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The Chicago White Sox have officially welcomed Munetaka Murakami, the Japanese baseball star, to their spring training camp. Murakami, a two-time Central League MVP in Nippon Professional Baseball, signed with the White Sox in a surprising offseason move that has generated excitement among the team's fans. The White Sox have already made accommodations to make Murakami feel at home, including installing bidets in the clubhouse.
Why it matters
Murakami's signing represents a major shift in the White Sox's approach to team-building, as the organization has historically been more conservative in its spending. His arrival also adds significant star power to a team that has struggled in recent years, potentially signaling a new era of competitiveness for the franchise.
The details
Murakami, who holds the record for the most home runs in a single season in Nippon Professional Baseball history with 56, made a name for himself during the 2023 World Baseball Classic, where he hit a game-tying 432-foot home run against the United States to help Japan win the championship. The White Sox were able to sign the highly sought-after free agent to a shorter-term, higher-value deal, a move that has been seen as a bold and exciting step for the franchise.
- Murakami officially arrived at White Sox spring training camp on Sunday, February 5, 2026.
- The news of Murakami's expected arrival at Sox camp first broke on Saturday, February 4, 2026.
The players
Munetaka Murakami
A two-time Central League MVP in Nippon Professional Baseball who holds the record for the most home runs in a single season (56). He is considered one of the most exciting free agent signings in recent MLB history.
Chris Getz
The general manager of the Chicago White Sox, who orchestrated the team's surprising offseason move to sign Murakami.
What’s next
Murakami is expected to be a key part of the White Sox's lineup and will likely be closely watched by fans and media alike as he adjusts to Major League Baseball.
The takeaway
The White Sox's signing of Munetaka Murakami represents a bold and exciting new direction for the franchise, as they look to build a contender around the Japanese superstar's powerful bat and the team's existing young talent.
