Munetaka Murakami Sparks Excitement at White Sox Spring Training

The Japanese standout has already become the talk of the team's camp despite not playing a game yet.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Munetaka Murakami, a Japanese baseball star, has recently joined the Chicago White Sox and has already generated significant buzz and excitement around the team. Despite not having played a game yet, Murakami has been the center of attention at the White Sox's spring training camp, with the organization going to great lengths to make him feel welcome, including installing bidets in the clubhouse. Murakami's first media session was packed with reporters, and fans have been eagerly waiting to get his autograph. Several White Sox players, including pitcher Anthony Kay and infielder Colson Montgomery, have praised Murakami's talent and potential, with Montgomery describing him as "freakish" and having "the juice." Murakami has also impressed with his performance in live batting practice against the team's hard-throwing pitchers, such as Jordan Hicks and Zach Franklin.

Why it matters

The White Sox have been one of the worst teams in Major League Baseball in recent years, and Murakami's arrival has brought a much-needed sense of excitement and optimism to the organization. His signing is seen as a sign that the team is committed to building a competitive roster and turning things around. Murakami's success could also help the White Sox attract more fans and generate more interest in the team.

The details

Murakami, a Japanese standout, shocked the baseball world when he agreed to a lucrative two-year deal to join the White Sox, a team that has struggled in recent seasons. Despite the team's past struggles, Murakami saw the potential in the organization and its upcoming young players. The White Sox have gone to great lengths to make Murakami feel welcome, including installing bidets in the clubhouse to make him feel more at home. Murakami's first media session was packed with reporters, and fans have been eagerly waiting to get his autograph. Several White Sox players, including pitcher Anthony Kay and infielder Colson Montgomery, have praised Murakami's talent and potential, with Montgomery describing him as "freakish" and having "the juice." Murakami has also impressed with his performance in live batting practice against the team's hard-throwing pitchers, such as Jordan Hicks and Zach Franklin.

  • Murakami signed a two-year deal with the White Sox in the offseason.
  • Murakami's first media session took place on February 14, 2026.
  • The White Sox's first spring training exhibition game is scheduled for February 20, 2026.

The players

Munetaka Murakami

A Japanese baseball standout who recently signed a lucrative two-year deal with the Chicago White Sox.

Anthony Kay

A pitcher for the Chicago White Sox who is familiar with Murakami from their time playing in the Nippon league.

Colson Montgomery

An up-and-coming infielder for the Chicago White Sox who has praised Murakami's talent and potential.

Jordan Hicks

A hard-throwing pitcher for the Chicago White Sox who faced Murakami in live batting practice.

Zach Franklin

A pitcher for the Chicago White Sox who also faced Murakami in live batting practice.

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What they’re saying

“Basically, what I did was told them how great the bidet is. It's good for the environment too, right? Everybody uses too much toilet paper.”

— Munetaka Murakami (SI.com)

“It's freakish. He has got the juice. He's got all that stuff. He's really smart. Has a really good understanding of his swing and his process. And that's something you can respect.”

— Colson Montgomery, Infielder, Chicago White Sox (SI.com)

What’s next

The White Sox will play their first spring training exhibition game against their crosstown rival on February 20, 2026, giving fans their first chance to see Murakami in action.

The takeaway

Murakami's arrival has generated a level of excitement and optimism around the White Sox that the team has not seen in years. His talent and potential have already impressed his new teammates, and the organization has gone to great lengths to make him feel welcome. If Murakami can live up to the hype, he could be the spark the White Sox need to turn their fortunes around and become a competitive team once again.