The Chicago White Sox have made a bold move in the 2025-26 MLB offseason, officially signing Japanese slugger Munetaka Murakami to a two-year, $34 million contract. The announcement came on December 22, 2025, capping off a whirlwind period of high-profile free-agent signings and signaling a new chapter for a franchise hungry for power and star appeal. Murakami, just 25 years old at the time of signing, arrives in Chicago with a mountain of accolades and eye-popping statistics, instantly becoming one of the most intriguing additions to Major League Baseball this winter.
Murakami’s journey to the South Side has captivated baseball fans both in Japan and the United States. Over eight seasons with the Tokyo Yakult Swallows in Nippon Professional Baseball’s Central League, he amassed 246 home runs and 647 RBIs in just 892 games—a pace that would make even seasoned MLB sluggers take notice. His power numbers are no fluke: Murakami led the NPB in home runs, RBIs, walks (614), slugging percentage (.557), and OPS (.979) during a remarkable run from 2019 through 2022. In those years, he launched 36 home runs in 2019, 39 in 2021, and an astonishing 56 in 2022. That 56-homer campaign stands as the second-highest single-season total in NPB history and the most ever by a Japanese-born player.
But Murakami’s impact isn’t just about raw numbers. At age 22, he became the youngest player in NPB history to win the Triple Crown, leading the league in home runs, RBIs, and batting average (.318) while slugging those 56 home runs and driving in 134 runs in 2022. His career slash line speaks to his well-rounded offensive game: .270/.394/.557, with a knack for drawing walks and delivering in clutch moments. Though he’s been known to rack up strikeouts—topping out at 180 in 2024—his ability to change a game with one swing is exactly what the White Sox have been seeking.
"The Sox are signing the left-handed hitting infielder to a two-year, $34 million contract, a source confirmed to the Chicago Tribune. The club made the signing official later Sunday afternoon," reported the Chicago Tribune on December 22. ESPN’s Jeff Passan, who first broke the news, added that Murakami is expected to play first base for the White Sox, bringing his prodigious left-handed power to a position of need for Chicago.
Murakami’s posting by the Swallows on November 7, 2025, started a countdown to the December 22 deadline for reaching a major-league agreement. With the deal finalized just under the wire, the White Sox not only secured a premier bat but also made a statement about their ambitions for the coming seasons. Murakami becomes just the fourth Japanese-born player to don a White Sox uniform, following pitcher Shingo Takatsu, second baseman Tadahito Iguchi, and outfielder Kosuke Fukudome.
His résumé extends beyond club play. Murakami shined on the international stage during the 2023 World Baseball Classic, where he delivered a two-run, walk-off double in Japan’s semifinal victory over Mexico and blasted a game-tying solo home run off Merrill Kelly of Team USA in the finals. Those moments cemented his reputation as a big-stage performer—just the kind of presence the White Sox hope will energize both their clubhouse and fan base.
Despite an oblique injury that limited him to 56 games in 2025, Murakami still slashed .273/.379/.663 with 22 home runs and 47 RBIs, proving that even at less than 100%, he remains a force to be reckoned with. His defensive versatility is another asset; while he’s expected to play first base in Chicago, he’s logged 696 career games at third base and 263 at first base for the Swallows. This flexibility could prove crucial as the White Sox shape their infield around a young core that includes shortstop Colson Montgomery, catchers Kyle Teel and Edgar Quero, second baseman Chase Meidroth, third baseman Miguel Vargas, and center fielder Luis Robert Jr.
The timing of Murakami’s arrival is especially significant given the overall landscape of the 2025-26 MLB free-agent class. According to a comprehensive breakdown published by MLB.com on December 22, the market has been buzzing with activity. Notable signings include Pete Alonso’s five-year deal with Baltimore, Josh Naylor’s five-year pact with Seattle, and Dylan Cease’s seven-year agreement with Toronto. The White Sox’s acquisition of Murakami stands out not only for its international flair but also for its potential to reshape the franchise’s identity.
Murakami’s contract—two years and $34 million—reflects both his proven track record and the calculated risk associated with transitioning from NPB to MLB. While past Japanese hitters have experienced mixed results in the majors, Murakami’s youth, power, and experience against top international competition suggest he has the tools to thrive. The White Sox, for their part, have shown a willingness to invest in international talent before, but Murakami represents their most ambitious swing yet.
As the 2025-26 offseason continues, the White Sox’s move is already sparking debate among analysts and fans alike. Can Murakami’s bat anchor the lineup and help turn around a club that has struggled for consistency in recent years? Will his presence accelerate the development of Chicago’s promising young roster? And how will his game translate against the best pitchers in the world, night after night?
One thing’s for sure: the excitement surrounding Murakami’s signing is palpable. With his power, pedigree, and flair for the dramatic, he’s poised to become one of the most watched players in MLB next season. The White Sox, banking on his ability to deliver big moments, have made their intentions clear—they’re ready to contend, and they’re not afraid to make a splash to do it.
As Chicago prepares for spring training, all eyes will be on Murakami as he takes his first swings in a White Sox uniform. If his NPB track record is any indication, fans at Guaranteed Rate Field could be in for a show. The South Side just got a whole lot more interesting, and the rest of the league will be watching closely to see if Murakami’s arrival marks the beginning of a new era for the White Sox.
