Former Sox Shingo Takatsu Bullish on Munetaka Murakami

Takatsu, who managed Murakami in Japan, believes the slugger will adapt well to MLB

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Shingo Takatsu, a former reliever for the Chicago White Sox, is optimistic about Munetaka Murakami's transition to Major League Baseball. Takatsu, who managed Murakami with the Yakult Swallows in Japan for the last six seasons, believes the slugger has the ability to adapt and excel in the majors despite the challenges of adjusting to a new country and league.

Why it matters

Murakami's arrival in MLB is highly anticipated, as he was a dominant power hitter in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball league. Takatsu's endorsement of Murakami's abilities and potential to succeed in the majors provides valuable insight from someone who has closely observed the player's development.

The details

Takatsu, who earned 27 saves for the White Sox in 2004-05, said he has only seen Murakami for one day in spring training, but believes the 23-year-old will "make it" in MLB. Takatsu acknowledged it may take time for Murakami to adjust to the workouts and daily life in the U.S., but noted the White Sox have a history of supporting Japanese players like Takatsu and Tadahito Iguchi. Takatsu said Murakami is a "home run hitter" who "did very well in Japan," and expects him to perform well in MLB despite the challenges of adjusting to a new league.

  • Takatsu managed Murakami with the Yakult Swallows in Japan for the last six seasons.

The players

Shingo Takatsu

A former relief pitcher who earned 27 saves for the Chicago White Sox in 2004-05 and later managed Munetaka Murakami with the Yakult Swallows in Japan for the last six seasons.

Munetaka Murakami

A 23-year-old slugger who was a dominant power hitter in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball league and is now transitioning to MLB with the Chicago White Sox.

Will Venable

The current manager of the Chicago White Sox.

Kaz Matsui

A former MLB player who spent seven seasons with the Mets, Rockies, and Astros and was among the former Japanese major leaguers who observed Murakami's workout.

Luisangel Acuña

An infielder acquired by the White Sox last month who is eager to show his talents in center field.

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What they’re saying

“He did very well in Japan, so I think he'll do well here.”

— Shingo Takatsu, Former White Sox Reliever (Chicago Sun-Times)

“We told these guys there is no limit to what we believe they can do. It's about them and our support of helping them realize the belief that we have in this club.”

— Will Venable, White Sox Manager (Chicago Sun-Times)

“To be honest with you, I feel more comfortable playing in center field.”

— Luisangel Acuña (Chicago Sun-Times)

What’s next

The White Sox will give Murakami and other players game opportunities before they depart for the World Baseball Classic.

The takeaway

Shingo Takatsu's endorsement of Munetaka Murakami's abilities and potential to succeed in MLB provides valuable insight from someone who has closely observed the player's development in Japan. The White Sox's history of supporting Japanese players like Takatsu and Iguchi also bodes well for Murakami's transition to the majors.