The Chicago White Sox have been excited about the debut of third baseman Munetaka Murakami, as he is coming over from Japan this season. With the World Baseball Classic taking place this Spring Training, the rosters are expected to be stacked. Team Japan has named some players to the team earlier today, so let’s take a look at one White Sox player heading to play in this international tournament.
Munetaka Murakami will be playing for Team Japan in the 2026 World Baseball Classic
Mar 21, 2023; Miami, Florida, USA; Japan third baseman Munetaka Murakami (55) plays his position during the sixth inning against the USA at LoanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
Team Japan announced 10 players to be part of the 2026 World Baseball Classic roster to bring the roster to 29 players. One of them was Murakami, who is in his first MLB season. In a translated version of his quote, Murakami would discuss joining Team Japan for the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Below is the statement he provided:
“I am truly proud to be able to compete once again as a member of Samurai Japan. The WBC is a special tournament for me. With the emotion and thrill I felt in the last tournament in my heart, I am determined to do my best to help Japan become the world’s best. This is a very important time for me as it is my first year after the transfer [to MLB], but I am truly grateful for the team’s deep understanding and willingness to send me off. I will be beginning my challenges in a new environment, but first and foremost, I will put my soul into every at-bat so I can contribute to Samurai Japan’s victory and prove to the world the greatness of Japanese baseball. The enthusiastic cheers of the Japanese fans will give me strength. I would appreciate your support.”
Murakami is entering his first season in Major League Baseball as he signed a two-year, $30 million contract with the White Sox. He is one of seven MLB players playing for Team Japan this year, including:
Yuki Matsui (San Diego Padres)
Shohei Ohtani (Los Angeles Dodgers)
Yusei Kikuchi (Los Angeles Angels)
Yoshinubo Yamamoto (Los Angeles Dodgers)
Kazuma Okamoto (Toronto Blue Jays)
Seiya Suzuki (Chicago Cubs)
It will be intriguing to see how Murakami plays in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, as it takes place from March 5-18, and he competed in the 2023 version of the tournament. This also means he will not be with the White Sox for his first Spring Training outside of a handful of games to see how he does.
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