Japanese Slugger Murakami Joins White Sox on Two-Year Deal

Murakami, a star for Team Japan, brings power bat and high strikeout rate to Chicago

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Munetaka Murakami, a Japanese slugger who has been a dominant power hitter in Nippon Professional Baseball, has signed a two-year, $34 million contract with the Chicago White Sox. Murakami, 26, is joining the White Sox after a record-breaking run in Japan, where he hit 56 home runs in 2022, the most ever by a Japanese-born player. However, he also has a high strikeout rate, which will be a concern as he transitions to Major League Baseball.

Why it matters

Murakami's signing is a significant move for the White Sox, as they look to add power to their lineup. His ability to hit for power could make him one of the best power hitters in MLB, but his high strikeout rate will be a concern. The signing also highlights the continued influx of Japanese talent to the major leagues.

The details

Murakami signed a two-year, $34 million contract with the White Sox, which includes a $6.575 million transfer fee paid to his former team, the Yakult Swallows. He opted for a short-term deal to prove himself before potentially testing free agency again after the 2027 season. Murakami has been a dominant power hitter in Japan, hitting 56 home runs in 2022, the most ever by a Japanese-born player. However, he also has a high strikeout rate, which has raised some concerns about his transition to MLB.

  • Murakami signed his contract with the White Sox on December 21, 2025, just a day before the deadline for him to sign with an MLB team.
  • Murakami will be joining the White Sox in 2026, ahead of his MLB debut.

The players

Munetaka Murakami

A 26-year-old Japanese slugger who has been a dominant power hitter in Nippon Professional Baseball, hitting a record-breaking 56 home runs in 2022.

Chicago White Sox

A Major League Baseball team based in Chicago, Illinois, that has signed Murakami to a two-year, $34 million contract.

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What’s next

Murakami will join the White Sox in 2026 and look to prove himself at the MLB level, with the potential to earn a larger contract in free agency after the 2027 season.

The takeaway

Murakami's signing with the White Sox is a high-risk, high-reward move for the team, as they look to add a powerful bat to their lineup. While his power potential is undeniable, his high strikeout rate will be a concern as he transitions to the major leagues. If Murakami can adapt to MLB pitching and reduce his strikeouts, he could become one of the best power hitters in the sport.