🔗 Share this article

In a notable move for their rebuilding roster, the American League club have officially added Japanese star Munetaka Murakami, completing a two-year contract for the accomplished player.

Contract Details and Player Perks

The contract includes a seven-figure signing bonus, to be paid within 30 days, alongside compensation of $16 million for the upcoming season and $17 million for the 2027 year.

Notably, Murakami's 2027 salary can increase based on accolade achievements in 2026:

• $1 million for being named the MVP award.
• $500K for finishing in the top three in MVP voting.
• A quarter-million for placing fourth through 10th.
• Another $250,000 for being named the top rookie honor.

The contract includes that he cannot be assigned to the minor leagues without his approval and makes him a free agent at the conclusion of the deal. Extra provisions include a team-provided interpreter and travel costs between his home country and the States.

Transfer Payment and Team Legacy

As part of the signing, Chicago owes a compensation payment of roughly $6.58 million to the Swallows, Murakami's previous team in Japan's Central League. The Swallows would also receive a supplemental fee of fifteen percent triggered incentive payments.

Murakami will become the fourth player from Japan to play for the White Sox, in the footsteps of pitcher Shingo Takatsu (2004-05), second baseman Tadahito Iguchi (2005-07), and fielder Kosuke Fukudome (2012). Interestingly, Takatsu once managed Murakami while both were in Japan.

Player Profile

Murakami, a left-handed hitter who will turn 26 soon, bolsters a young lineup in Chicago that includes prospects like Colson Montgomery, Kyle Teel, and Chase Meidroth. The team are finished with a difficult season, placing last in the American League Central but showing a notable improvement from the previous campaign.

Having earned Central League MVP honors in '21 and '22, Murakami is famous for a historic 2022 season where he launched 56 homers, surpassing the single-season record for a player in Japan previously held by icon Sadaharu Oh. That feat also made him the youngest player ever to win Japan's prestigious batting Triple Crown.

His last year was shortened to just 56 appearances due to an muscle issue. Even with striking out 64 Ks, he still managed .273 with 22 homers and 47 RBIs.

Over his eight-year tenure with the Swallows, Murakami has compiled a .270 lifetime batting average with 246 HRs, 647 RBI, and 977 strikeouts in 892 contests. He started playing mostly at first base, he has spent most of his time to third base.

International Pedigree

Murakami's heroics were on center stage during the last World Baseball Classic. In the semifinal against Mexico, he hit a walk-off double that brought home Shohei Ohtani and Masataka Yoshida for a come-from-behind one-run win. The very next day in the championship game against the USA, he hit a game-tying shot in the second inning, paving the way for Japan's 3-2 title triumph.

The power hitter is scheduled to be officially presented at a media availability on Monday.