LOS ANGELES—Highly rated Japanese slugger Munetaka Murakami is joining the Chicago White Sox on a two-year deal, the Major League Baseball club announced on Sunday.
The 25-year-old was seen as one of the most coveted players available in free agency, offering elite hitting ability after blasting 246 home runs in eight seasons in Japan.
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Murakami had been linked with a slew of MLB clubs, with the Seattle Mariners, Philadelphia Phillies and Boston Red Sox all reportedly among his potential suitors.
However Murakami has opted for the White Sox, who finished last season with a dismal 60-102 record to finish bottom of the American League’s Central Division.
Murakami is expected to be formally unveiled by the White Sox on Monday.
Murakami can play first or third base, but can also slot in as designated hitter.
He has been one of Japanese baseball’s brightest stars since he bludgeoned 36 home runs as a 19-year-old in 2019. In 2022 he hit a record 56 home runs.
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