Murakami's Hot Start Gives White Sox New Priority for 2026

The Japanese slugger's early power surge has the team rethinking its future plans.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 10:00pm

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting a baseball player in mid-swing, with the player's body and the baseball itself broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in a vibrant color palette, conceptually representing the explosive energy and dynamic action of a home run.Murakami's power surge has the White Sox rethinking their long-term plans for the slugging Japanese import.Chicago Today

Munetaka Murakami, the White Sox's high-profile offseason acquisition from Japan, has gotten off to a blistering start to his MLB career, hitting four home runs in his first nine games. His early success has the team reconsidering its plans for the 26-year-old, who was initially signed to a short-term two-year deal. With Murakami's power potential and ability to draw walks, the White Sox are now weighing whether to try to lock him up long-term before his price tag rises further.

Why it matters

Murakami represents a rare opportunity for the cost-conscious White Sox to add a true impact bat to their lineup. His early production has already exceeded expectations, and keeping him beyond his initial contract could pay dividends for years to come. Retaining Murakami would also help the team attract more talent from Japan and grow its fanbase in that market.

The details

Through his first nine games, Murakami is batting .333 with a .955 OPS, leading the team in home runs (4) and RBIs (7). While he has also struck out at a 35% clip, he has shown excellent plate discipline with a 15% walk rate. The White Sox signed Murakami to a two-year, $34 million deal in the offseason, but his early success has them reconsidering whether to try to lock him up long-term before his price tag rises further.

  • Murakami signed a two-year, $34 million contract with the White Sox in December 2025.
  • Murakami made his MLB debut for the White Sox on April 1, 2026.

The players

Munetaka Murakami

A 26-year-old Japanese slugger who the White Sox signed to a two-year contract in the offseason. He has gotten off to a hot start, hitting four home runs in his first nine MLB games.

Chicago White Sox

The MLB team that signed Murakami in the offseason and is now reconsidering whether to try to extend him long-term based on his early success.

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What’s next

The White Sox will need to decide in the coming months whether to try to sign Murakami to a long-term extension or risk losing him when his current contract expires after the 2027 season.

The takeaway

Murakami's hot start has given the cost-conscious White Sox an opportunity to add a true impact bat to their lineup long-term. Retaining him beyond his initial contract could pay dividends for years to come, both on the field and in growing the team's fanbase in Japan.