White Sox Hitting Coach Praises Munetaka Murakami as 'Special'

The White Sox's director of hitting says the Japanese star is confident and destined to succeed in Chicago.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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The Chicago White Sox's director of hitting, Ryan Fuller, spoke highly of the team's new Japanese star Munetaka Murakami, calling him "special" and expressing confidence that he is "destined" to succeed with the young White Sox squad. Murakami, a 26-year-old first baseman, recently signed with the White Sox after a successful career in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball league.

Why it matters

Murakami's signing with the White Sox is a major acquisition, as he is considered one of the top players to come from Japan's professional league in recent years. The White Sox are hoping Murakami can provide a boost to their lineup and help the team contend in the American League.

The details

According to White Sox hitting coach Ryan Fuller, Murakami has already impressed the team with his confidence and belief that he is "destined" to succeed in Chicago. Murakami said he feels a similar energy with the young White Sox squad as he did when he helped lead his former team in Japan to a championship. White Sox manager Will Venable also acknowledged the "big deal" Murakami's signing is and the attention it has generated.

  • Murakami signed with the White Sox in December 2025.

The players

Munetaka Murakami

A 26-year-old Japanese first baseman who recently signed with the Chicago White Sox after a successful career in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball league.

Ryan Fuller

The director of hitting for the Chicago White Sox.

Will Venable

The manager of the Chicago White Sox.

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What they’re saying

“Mune is special, and I think you see immediately there's a level of confidence here amidst everything being new here.”

— Ryan Fuller, Director of Hitting (clutchpoints.com)

“I feel there are lot of exciting young players here. Just as my career panned out in Japan, I went to a team that was very young and we got to the promised land of winning the championship there. I kinda feel something similar here, I feel like I'm destined to be here.”

— Munetaka Murakami (CHSN)

“We are getting an understanding of how big of a deal Mune is. Certainly, the attention he gets is well deserved for what he's accomplished. We are excited to see everyone who comes along with that.”

— Will Venable, Manager (MLB.com)

What’s next

Murakami will look to make an immediate impact with the White Sox in the 2026 MLB season.

The takeaway

The White Sox are clearly excited about the addition of Munetaka Murakami, with the team's hitting coach and manager both praising his talent and confidence. Murakami's signing represents a major acquisition for the White Sox as they aim to build a contending team around their young core.