Chicago White Sox Sign Japanese Home Run Record-Holder Munetaka Murakami to Two-Year Deal
CHICAGO, Ill. — The Chicago White Sox have taken a significant step toward revitalizing their roster by signing Japanese slugger Munetaka Murakami to a two-year contract reportedly worth $34 million, according to ESPN. Murakami, 25, arrives in Major League Baseball after a storied career in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), where he made history by breaking the single-season home run record.
Murakami began his professional career with the Tokyo Yakult Swallows and stunned baseball fans worldwide by hitting 56 home runs in the 2022 season, surpassing the legendary Sadaharu Oh’s mark set in 1964. Known primarily as a third baseman and occasionally a first baseman, Murakami’s power-hitting prowess is expected to add much-needed offense to the White Sox lineup. While his defensive role remains flexible, the team may also utilize him as a designated hitter.
Despite an injury-plagued 2025 season that limited Murakami to 56 games with 22 home runs, his overall career totals include 265 home runs in 1,003 games. His arrival coincides with Chicago’s efforts to rebuild after several difficult seasons. The White Sox have not reached the postseason since 2021 and have struggled to contend for the American League pennant since their 2005 World Series championship.
Last season, Chicago improved to 60 wins from just 41 in 2024, signaling progress but still falling short of playoff contention. The team’s young core, including prospects like Chase Meidroth, Colson Montgomery, Edgar Quero, and Brooks Baldwin—all under 25 years old—is expected to develop alongside Murakami’s veteran presence. Pitching ace Shane Smith, who posted a 3.81 ERA and 145 strikeouts in his rookie campaign, will also be a key contributor moving forward.
The White Sox’s signing of Murakami is part of a broader strategy to return to prominence in the highly competitive American League. The franchise’s front office hopes that Murakami’s proven power and experience in international competition, including the World Baseball Classic, will energize the lineup and excite the fan base.
For more on Major League Baseball transactions and team rebuilding efforts, visit the Major League Baseball official site and the Baseball America portal. Updates on the White Sox’s season outlook and player development can also be found through the Sox on the Web community and the ESPN MLB coverage.
As the White Sox prepare for the 2026 season, the addition of Murakami represents a bold move to recapture the excitement and success that have eluded the franchise in recent years. Baseball fans in Chicago and beyond will be watching closely to see how the Japanese slugger adapts to the major leagues and whether his bat can help propel the White Sox back into playoff contention.
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