In a notable move for their overhauling roster, the South Side team have signed infielder Munetaka Murakami, agreeing to a lucrative contract for the accomplished player.
Contract Details and Incentives
The agreement grants a seven-figure signing bonus, payable within 30 days, combined with annual pay of sixteen million for the upcoming season and $17 million for the 2027 year.
Additionally, Murakami's 2027 salary is subject to escalators based on award achievements in 2026:
- $1 million for being named the Most Valuable Player award.
- $500,000 for placing as runner-up or in third place in MVP voting.
- $250,000 for ranking between fourth and tenth.
- Another $250,000 for being named the ROY honor.
His deal provides that he will not be optioned to the farm system without his approval and grants him a free agent at the termination of the deal. Extra provisions include a dedicated interpreter and flight reimbursement between the U.S. and Japan.
Posting Fee and Franchise History
As part of the signing, Chicago must pay a transfer fee of roughly $6.58 million to the Swallows, Murakami's former team in Japan's Central League. The Yakult organization get a additional payment of fifteen percent triggered incentive payments.
Murakami joins the ranks as the fourth-ever player from Japan to represent the South Siders, following pitcher Shingo Takatsu (2004-05), second baseman Tadahito Iguchi (2005-07), and fielder Kosuke Fukudome (2012). Notably, Takatsu was a manager for Murakami back in Japan.
Career Highlights
Murakami, a lefty bat who will turn 26 on February 2nd, joins a promising core of hitters in Chicago that also features prospects like Colson Montgomery, Kyle Teel, and Chase Meidroth. The club are coming off a last-place season, placing at the bottom in the AL Central but showing a notable improvement from the year before campaign.
A two-time Central League MVP honors in 2021 and 2022, Murakami is renowned for a monumental 2022 season where he hit 56 homers, breaking the longstanding record for a Japanese-born player previously held by legend Sadaharu Oh. That feat also made him the most youthful hitter ever to achieve Japan's coveted Triple Crown.
His last year was shortened to 56 games due to an muscle issue. Even with recording 64 Ks, he hit .273 with 22 home runs and 47 RBIs.
Over his eight-season tenure with the Yakult club, Murakami has posted a .270 batting average with 246 HRs, 647 runs batted in, and 977 strikeouts in 892 games. Initially playing primarily at first base, he has spent most of his time to third base.
International Pedigree
Murakami's big-game performance were on full display during the 2023 WBC. In the semi-final against Mexico, he delivered a game-ending two-base hit that drove in teammates for a dramatic 6-5 victory. The next night in the final against the United States, he blasted a equalizing home run in the early innings, paving the way for Japan's subsequent championship win.
The new White Sox addition is set to be unveiled at a introductory event on Monday.
