The Chicago White Sox finally did something interesting, and no, it’s not a prank. The rebuilding Sox landed Japanese slugger Munetaka Murakami on a two-year, $34 million deal, adding legitimate thump to a lineup that desperately needed a pulse.

White Sox land Munetaka Murakami on a two-year, $34 million contract

BREAKING: Third baseman Munetaka Murakami and the Chicago White Sox are in agreement on a two-year, $34 million contract, sources tell ESPN. Murakami, 25, is the single-season home run champion in Japan and will bring his prodigious power to a rebuilding White Sox team.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 21, 2025

Munetaka Murakami comes over from the Yakult Swallows as one of the most accomplished hitters to ever make the jump from NPB at this age. For a team coming off a 60–102 season, this is exactly the kind of upside swing they should be taking.

Murakami gets a $1 million signing bonus, $16 million in 2026, and $17 million in 2027, with escalators tied to awards.

If he wins MVP, there’s more money. If he finishes high in voting, more money. Rookie of the Year? Yep, more money.

He also cannot be sent to the minors without his consent, gets an interpreter, and has travel accommodations baked in. This is a real commitment, not a flyer.

The White Sox will also pay a posting fee of roughly $6.6 million to Yakult, with additional fees tied to any escalators. That’s the cost of doing business when you’re importing elite talent from Japan, and frankly, it’s worth it.

If you’re unfamiliar with Munetaka Murakami, here’s the short version: he rakes.

He was the Central League MVP in 2021 and 2022, crushed 56 home runs in 2022 to break Sadaharu Oh’s long-standing record for Japanese-born players, and became the youngest Triple Crown winner in NPB history.

Before an injury-limited 2025 season, Munetaka Murakami had topped 30 homers four straight years. Even in just 56 games last season, he hit .273 with 22 home runs. The power is very real.

Career-wise, Murakami brings a .270 average, 246 homers, and nearly 650 RBIs in under 900 games. That’s absurd production, especially considering his age. He’s played both first and third base, with most of his recent work coming at third, giving the Sox flexibility as they continue sorting out their young infield.

If you want proof he doesn’t shrink on big stages, look no further than the 2023 World Baseball Classic. Munetaka Murakami delivered a walk-off double in the semifinal against Mexico, then followed it up with a home run in the championship game against the U.S. on the way to Japan winning it all. The moment wasn’t too big. If anything, he looked comfortable.

Japanese free agent Munetaka Murakami just signed with the Chicago White Sox!

The Japanese slugger possesses raw power and strength (56 HR in 2022!) but lacks defense and strikes out at a high rate

There are clearly flaws with his game, but this is a high ceiling signing 🔥 pic.twitter.com/MTJZ2JVfU9

— Prospect Breakdowns (@DualThreatHQ) December 21, 2025

For Chicago, this move fits the timeline. Murakami joins a young core that includes Colson Montgomery, Kyle Teel, and Chase Meidroth.

It’s a short-term deal with upside, no long-term handcuffing, and a chance to either build something real or flip value later if things break right.

This doesn’t fix the White Sox overnight. They’re still rebuilding, and there’s plenty of work to do. This is the kind of swing rebuilding teams are supposed to take.

High ceiling. Prime age. Star potential. For once, the White Sox aimed high instead of playing it safe and honestly, it’s about time.

NPB Update: Phillies still very much in the mix for Tatsuya Imai and the clues keep adding up

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