Chicago's MLB Team Sign Power Bat Munetaka Murakami on an Major $34 Million Agreement.
In a major move for their retooling roster, the American League club have signed infielder Munetaka Murakami, completing a lucrative contract with the high-profile player.
Deal Structure and Added Benefits
The agreement includes a substantial signing bonus, payable within 30 days, in addition to annual pay of sixteen million for the 2026 season and seventeen million for the 2027 year.
Importantly, Murakami's final-year pay can increase based on accolade achievements in 2026:
- A seven-figure bonus for earning the MVP award.
- $500,000 for placing second or third in MVP voting.
- $250,000 for finishing in the top ten.
- Another $250,000 for being named the ROY honor.
His deal also stipulates that he cannot be assigned to the minors without his permission and makes him a free agent at the termination of the contract. Further benefits include a dedicated interpreter and travel costs between the U.S. and Japan.
Posting Fee and Team Legacy
As part of the signing, Chicago must pay a transfer fee of roughly $6.58 million to the Swallows, Murakami's previous team in Japan's professional league. The Yakult organization would also receive a additional payment of fifteen percent triggered salary escalators.
Murakami is set to become the fourth Japanese to represent the South Siders, joining pitcher Shingo Takatsu (2004-05), second baseman Tadahito Iguchi (2005-07), and fielder Kosuke Fukudome (2012). Interestingly, Takatsu once managed Murakami during their time in Japan.
Career Highlights
Murakami, a left-side batter who turns 26 in February, bolsters a promising group of offensive players in Chicago that also features prospects like Colson Montgomery, Kyle Teel, and Chase Meidroth. The White Sox are coming off a last-place season, placing last in the American League Central but representing a 19-game improvement from the prior campaign.
The winner of back-to-back league MVP honors in consecutive seasons, Murakami is famous for a monumental 2022 season where he hit 56 home runs, breaking the single-season record for a Japanese-born player previously held by legend Sadaharu Oh. That year also made him the most youthful hitter ever to win Japan's prestigious Triple Crown.
His most recent NPB campaign was curtailed to 56 games due to an side strain. Even with recording 64 times, he still managed .273 with 22 homers and 47 driven in.
Over his eight-year tenure with the Yakult club, Murakami has accumulated a .270 batting average with 246 home runs, 647 runs batted in, and 977 strikeouts in 892 contests. Early in his career playing primarily at first base, he has more recently played to third base.
International Pedigree
Murakami's clutch hitting were on global view during the 2023 WBC. In the penultimate game against Mexico, he delivered a walk-off two-base hit that brought home teammates for a thrilling one-run win. The next night in the title match against the USA, he blasted a game-tying homer in the second inning, paving the way for Japan's 3-2 title triumph.
The new White Sox addition is slated to be formally introduced at a media availability on Monday.