The Chicago White Sox landing Munetaka Murakami was one of the biggest surprises of the 2026 MLB off-season. After winning just 60 games in 2025, no one thought they would be big players in free agency at all. Yet, they were able to land the biggest free agent coming out of Japan.
To be fair, Murakami’s market did not really materialize the way many expected it to. While he has an impressive power bat, his strikeout totals in Japan were highly concerning to Major League teams. As a result, Chicago was able to land him on a short two-year deal worth $34 million.
But the fact that they were even in the market for Murakami is a great sign for White Sox fans.
The Munetaka Murakami signing hints the Chicago White Sox expect to compete very soon
Mar 17, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Chicago White Sox third baseman Munetaka Murakami (5) hits against the Athletics in the third inning at Camelback Ranch-Glendale. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
MLB insiders and analysts from ESPN recently put together an article in which they detailed the off-season moves that were the most shocking. They included the White Sox signing Murakami because, according to them, it signals that Chicago intends to compete for an American League Division title either this year or next:
“Given the lack of power in the Chicago lineup and the need for a first baseman, it’s a worthy roll of the dice for the White Sox. There’s a chance he’s a Kyle Schwarber-like hitter with lots of home runs, walks and strikeouts, and the White Sox get a middle-of-the-order hitter to anchor a young lineup.
“And if the strikeouts pile up? Fine, the two-year commitment means there’s no long-term risk here. It was a surprise move given the White Sox lost 102 games in 2025, but they took advantage of the soft market for Murakami and can be interpreted as a sign the organization thinks it can compete for the division soon — if not 2026, then 2027.”
In eight professional seasons in Japan, Murakami struck out 1,068 times. However, he also had a career on-base percentage of .373 because of his propensity to take walks too.
The fact that he also averaged over 30 home runs a season is why MLB teams were interested in him in the first place. If he can bring that power over to MLB, his strikeouts won’t matter as much.
As ESPN notes, Kyle Schwarber strikes out a great deal, but is also one of the league’s biggest stars because of his power and ability to get on base via walk.
If Murakami ends up being that kind of player, the White Sox will be in a great position.
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