GLENDALE, Ariz. — Munetaka Murakami showed his opposite-field power Tuesday, hitting a home run to left-center against the Athletics at Camelback Ranch.
Murakami displayed his defense at first base Saturday against the Cincinnati Reds when he fielded a sharp grounder with a 112.4 mph exit velocity hit by star shortstop Elly De La Cruz.
Offensively and defensively, the two-time MVP of Nippon Professional Baseball’s Central League continued to adjust to life as a major-leaguer during his first spring training after eight seasons with the Tokyo Yakult Swallows.
Murakami’s arrival was one of the major stories at Sox camp, which wraps up Monday with the Cactus League finale against the Athletics at Hohokam Stadium in Mesa, Ariz.
Manager Will Venable said on Saturday that the Sox as a whole, “have had a great camp and worked extremely hard. We are confident and ready to go.” The regular season begins Thursday at Milwaukee.
Here are a few items that have stood out to Venable this spring offensively, defensively and on the mound.
Offensively
Chicago White Sox’s Everson Pereira tapes his bat outside the batting cages during spring training at Camelback Ranch in Glendale, Ariz., on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)
Everson Pereira provided the spark Saturday evening against the Reds at Goodyear Ballpark, hitting a two-run home run in the second inning.
Pereira battled back from an 0-2 count in the fourth inning, drawing a walk to load the bases for Edgar Quero. The catcher followed with a two-run single.
Venable has liked how the Sox haven’t had to rely on just one method of offensive production.
“At the plate, we asked these guys to understand situations and make contact in certain areas and keep the line moving, look for bunts and whatever it is to have a team offense,” Venable said. “And these guys have done a great job of doing their part in different ways, seeing (outfielders) Derek Hill and Tristan Peters with the bunt and stealing bags.
“We are happy with the way the group has found different ways to attack.”
Stolen bases have been a particular weapon. The Sox ranked third in baseball, swiping 43 bases entering Sunday.
“We’ve asked these guys to do some things, be aggressive on the bases,” Venable said. “They have done that. Sometimes we’ve made mistakes, but aggressive mistakes, which we like. We feel like overall the group has done a great job with (coach) José (Leger) leading the way with the baserunning stuff, these guys have taken advantage of opportunities and they are being aggressive out there.”
It might be an aspect to watch in the regular season.
“I think we need to be ready to take advantage of opportunities,” Venable said. “Put yourself in a good position with your mindset, your primary lead, your secondary lead to take advantage of opportunities. These guys have been able to go out and do it.”
Defensively
Chicago White Sox shortstop Colson Montgomery, left, speaks to third baseman Miguel Vargas during spring training at Camelback Ranch in Glendale, Ariz., on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)
The Sox had a standard defensive arrangement Saturday against the Reds, with Murakami at first, Chase Meidroth and Colson Montgomery as the second base-shortstop combination and Miguel Vargas at third. Quero was behind the plate.
The outfield consisted of Austin Hays in left, Luisangel Acuña as the center fielder and Pereira in right. The Sox slotted Andrew Benintendi as the designated hitter.
That alignment could be a familiar option this season.
But some players have had the chance to get work in at other spots, whether it’s Acuña or Meidroth making three appearances apiece at shortstop or Montgomery shifting over to third twice.
“Defensively we’ve asked guys to play different positions and they have all looked comfortable doing it,” Venable said. “We mentioned that’s going to be something that’s part of our program.
“We are continuing to try to use these last couple of games to get some reps in that regard.”
Pitching
Chicago White Sox pitcher Anthony Kay throws against the Athletics during the second inning of a spring training baseball game, Tuesday, March 17, 2026, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
The Sox have stressed getting ahead in the count early, with the goal of two strikes in the first three pitches of an at-bat.
The pitching staff entered Sunday with 263 strikeouts in 30 spring games, ranking fifth in baseball. Monday’s scheduled starter Anthony Kay has a team-leading 15 strikeouts in 16 1/3 innings.
The control hasn’t always been there for the team, which was tied for sixth in the majors with 126 walks in 262 1/3 innings. If an opponent gets on, the Sox want to limit the runner being on the go.
“On the mound, controlling the running game has been a huge part of our program,” Venable said. “Obviously throwing strikes, which is something we are still working hard every day to improve.
“Just like where the attention has been focused and where these guys are working. Overall, it’s been productive.”