White Sox reach two-year, $34 million deal with Munetaka Murakami

The Chicago White Sox have agreed to a two-year, $34 million contract with Munetaka Murakami, the Japanese slugger who blew past the single-season home run record in 2022. Murakami, 25, left the Yakult Swallows to pursue opportunities in Major League Baseball, aiming to bring significant power to a lineup that has struggled to sustain offense in recent seasons. The deal was reported by ESPN on Sunday, with Jon Heyman of The New York Post later confirming the terms. Murakami is known for his left-handed power and has six- and seven-figure seasons on his resume in Japan, including a 56-home-run season that surpassed Sadaharu Oh’s mark set in 1964.

Murakami is expected to slide into first base for Chicago, though he has experience at third base and could be deployed as a designated hitter depending on the roster needs and lineup balance. He hit 22 home runs in 56 games during an injury-plagued 2025 season and owns 265 homers in 1,003 games across top-level play in Japan. His strikeout rate has been a talking point for evaluators in recent years, but scouts view him as a high-upside power-hitter who can contribute in multiple spots in Chicago’s batting order.

The Murakami signing comes at a pivotal time for a White Sox franchise that has struggled for consistency since their 2021 run to the AL Central title. Chicago has not won a playoff series since that 2021 season and has not contended for the pennant since then, with a string of disappointing finishes that included a 60-102 record this year after a 41-121 debacle in 2024. The club and its fanbase are hoping Murakami’s arrival, paired with a developing group of young players, can spark a turnaround as the organization rebuilds around a core that includes players under 25 who are seen as long-term pieces.

Murakami enters a lineup with several promising youngsters who are expected to factor into the club’s plans in 2026. Chase Meidroth, Colson Montgomery, Edgar Quero and Brooks Baldwin are among the top-in-house prospects expected to contribute in some combination with Murakami as the White Sox aim to reestablish a competitive baseline after years of underachievement. The roster-building process also features veterans and emerging talent in other positions, providing a blend of upside and experience as Chicago maps out a path back to contention.

In the rotation, Shane Smith is projected to be the ace after an encouraging rookie season. Smith posted a 3.81 ERA and 145 strikeouts, earning consideration for a substantial role in Chicago’s pitching staff and finishing 10th in American League Rookie of the Year voting. His breakout season provides a stabilizing presence atop a rotation that will rely on continued development from young arms to complement Murakami’s power-hitting profile.

Murakami’s deal is viewed by observers as a relatively low-risk, high-reward move for a franchise that has faced mounting questions about its ability to compete over the long term. The contract aligns with Chicago’s broader strategy of bringing in players with high upside while integrating them with a young, cost-controlled nucleus. If Murakami adapts well to Major League Baseball and settles into a regular role, the White Sox could gain a favorable return on investment even as they navigate the natural growing pains that accompany any significant transition.

The White Sox’ leadership has emphasized patience and a long-term vision for returning the franchise to relevance in the American League. With Murakami onboard, Chicago adds a marquee name to energize a fan base that has endured several rough seasons while the organization works to stabilize its roster and infrastructure. The team’s immediate objective remains to build a sustainable foundation that can compete on the field and in the standings in the years ahead.