The Chicago White Sox made one of the most surprising free agent splashes of the MLB off-season. When Munetaka Murakami first announced his intention to transition from Japan to Major League Baseball, few thought that the White Sox would be in play for the slugging first baseman.
However, because of concerns over Murakami’s high strikeout totals in Japan, Major League teams were hesitant to give him a long and lucrative contract. As a result, Chicago was able to swoop in and snag the slugger for two years and $34 million.
The 2026 MLB season is still in its infancy, but Murakami has already made a stellar impression on baseball fans in the United States. However, it somehow was not good enough to even crack a top-25 MLB rookies list.
Chicago White Sox star Munetaka Murakami somehow left off top-25 rookie ranking
Mar 28, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Chicago White Sox first baseman Munetaka Murakami (5) hits a solo home run as Milwaukee Brewers catcher William Contreras (24) looks on in the fourth inning at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
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Recently, Bleacher Report released their list of the top 25 rookies around Major League Baseball. Their criteria was simply that the rookies begin the season on their team’s Opening Day rosters. Munetaka, of course, began the season on Chicago’s Opening Day roster.
However, for whatever reason, he was not included on the list of the top 25 rookies around baseball.
In his first four games in the Majors, Murakami is hitting .286/.444/.929 with three home runs and three RBI. He also has walked four times and struck out five times.
There are, of course, many talented young rookies across Major League Baseball. However, the fact that Murakami is not included on the list of the top-25 is highly questionable. Perhaps it is because he spent eight seasons playing professionally at the highest level in Japan, but he is still a Major League rookie in 2026.
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