© Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
CHICAGO — When Japanese baseball star Munetaka Murakami signed with the Chicago White Sox, many Arizona Diamondbacks fans were left asking one question: Was this a missed opportunity for the Snakes?
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Jul 31, 2021; Yokohama, Japan; Team Japan infielder Munetaka Murakami (55) rounds the bases against Mexico during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Yokohama Baseball Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Yukihito Taguchi-USA TODAY Sports
Murakami, a 25-year-old slugger, signed a two-year, $34 million deal, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan. Widely regarded as one of the most accomplished hitters in Japan, the infielder entered MLB discussions following his standout performance in the 2023 World Baseball Classic.
The newest White Sox acquisition broke Japan’s single-season home run record in 2022, hitting 56 home runs with the Tokyo Yakult Swallows. In 2025, Murakami hit 24 home runs while posting a .286/.392/.659 slash line and a 1.051 OPS.
Mar 21, 2023; Miami, Florida, USA; Japan third baseman Munetaka Murakami (55) circles the bases after hitting a home run during the second inning against USA at LoanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
Murakami could have provided stability in Arizona’s infield, particularly at first base. With experience on both corners, he may have fit into a platoon role alongside Blaze Alexander and Jordan Lawlar.
A young power hitter on a team-friendly contract appeared to align with Arizona’s roster-building needs. At $17 million per year, the deal could have fit in the Diamondbacks’ financial range and addressed a long-term need at first base.
However, the signing also offers insight into why the Japanese star’s market developed slowly and why his deal came at a relative discount.
Mar 21, 2023; Miami, Florida, USA; Japan third baseman Munetaka Murakami (55) hits a home run against the USA in the second inning at LoanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Rhona Wise-USA TODAY Sports
Murakami has shown difficulty against high-velocity fastballs and sharp off-speed pitches. According to MLB.com’s David Adler, he posted a 36.7% whiff rate and a 28.6% strikeout rate in 2025, numbers that raise questions about how his approach would translate consistently at the major league level.
Arizona’s emphasis on plate discipline and contact-oriented offense has been its identity in recent years. A power-first bat with swing-and-miss tendencies may have been an outlier on a roster built around putting the ball in play.
The Chicago White Sox signed left-handed Japanese slugger Munetaka Murakami for two-years, $34 million.
Murakami played eight seasons with the Yakult Swallows and had 56 home runs in 2022, which is the second highest in NPB history for a single season. pic.twitter.com/KVnIwNfZZG
— World Baseball Network (@WorldBaseball_) December 21, 2025
For now, there is little evidence to suggest the Diamondbacks made a mistake. Still, Murakami’s performance with the White Sox next season will provide a clearer answer as to whether passing on the Japanese star was the right decision.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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