Munetaka Murakami Signs Two-Year Deal with White Sox

Japanese slugger Munetaka Murakami has signed a two-year, $34 million deal with the Chicago White Sox, marking a significant free agent acquisition for the team. This signing highlights the White Sox's strategy to bolster their offensive power, as Murakami, just 25 years old, is a record-setting home run hitter in Nippon Professional Baseball, boasting an impressive 56 home runs in 2022.

Over his eight seasons with the Tokyo Yakult Swallows, Murakami compiled 246 home runs and a .270 batting average with a .557 slugging percentage. Despite concerns regarding his defensive abilities and a tendency to swing and miss, his elite exit velocity metrics suggest he could thrive in Major League Baseball.

The White Sox, who finished 14th in the American League for home runs last season, aim to revitalize their lineup with Murakami at its center. His addition comes at a pivotal time for the franchise, which is in a rebuilding phase after recent struggles, and could position him for a lucrative long-term contract if he excels in the majors.

The White Sox are also looking forward to a promising array of young talent, including infielders like Colson Montgomery and Miguel Vargas, as they build toward future competitiveness.