Murakami Homers in First White Sox Game After WBC

The Japanese star slugger makes an immediate impact in spring training after returning from the World Baseball Classic.

Mar. 18, 2026 at 12:34am

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Munetaka Murakami, the highly touted Japanese rookie signed by the Chicago White Sox this offseason, hit a home run in his first spring training game back with the team after competing for Japan in the World Baseball Classic. Murakami, a two-time MVP and four-time All-Star in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball league, is expected to be a key part of the White Sox's lineup as they look to bounce back from consecutive last-place finishes.

Why it matters

Murakami's successful transition to Major League Baseball will be crucial for the White Sox, who are hoping the 23-year-old phenom can help revive their struggling offense and contend in the American League. His performance in the WBC and immediate impact in spring training have heightened expectations for the young slugger.

The details

In his first game back with the White Sox after the WBC, where he batted .211 with a home run and 5 RBIs, Murakami went 1-for-4 with a home run to help the White Sox defeat the Athletics 6-4. Murakami signed a $34 million contract with the White Sox last December after a standout 7-year career in Japan's NPB, where he was a two-time MVP, 2022 Triple Crown winner, and four-time All-Star.

  • Murakami made his first spring training appearance with the White Sox on March 18, 2026.
  • The White Sox will conclude their spring training schedule by playing the Athletics on March 23, 2026.
  • The White Sox will open their regular season on the road against the Milwaukee Brewers on March 26, 2026.
  • The White Sox will have their home opener on April 2, 2026 against the defending American League champion Toronto Blue Jays.

The players

Munetaka Murakami

A 23-year-old Japanese baseball player who was signed by the Chicago White Sox this offseason after a standout career in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball league, where he was a two-time MVP, 2022 Triple Crown winner, and four-time All-Star.

Chicago White Sox

A Major League Baseball team based in Chicago, Illinois that is looking to bounce back after consecutive last-place finishes in 2025.

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What they’re saying

“Murakami didn't skip a beat as he hit his first home run.”

— Mark Feinsand, MLB.com reporter (MLB.com)

What’s next

The White Sox will conclude their spring training schedule by playing the Athletics on March 23, 2026 before opening their regular season on the road against the Milwaukee Brewers on March 26, 2026.

The takeaway

Murakami's immediate impact in his first spring training game back with the White Sox after the WBC has heightened expectations for the young Japanese slugger, who the team is hoping can help revive their struggling offense and lead them back to contention in the American League.