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The Chicago White Sox are reportedly on the verge of adding some star power to their lineup.
The White Sox and Japanese slugger Munetaka Murakami have agreed to a two-year contract worth $34 million, ESPN reported Sunday.
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Japan’s Munetaka Murakami rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the second inning of a World Baseball Classic game against the United States, March 21, 2023, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier, file)
Murakami, 25, was one of the youngest players on the free agent market. He began his career with the Tokyo Yakult Swallows and set the record for most home runs in a single season with 56 in 2022. The mark surpassed Sadaharu Oh’s mark set in 1964.
Murakami was injured during the 2025 season. He hit 22 home runs in 56 games and 265 home runs in 1,003 games. He is best known as a third baseman or first baseman defensively, but could become the designated hitter for the White Sox.
The Murakami deal is one of the first steps in rebuilding Chicago after years of futility.
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Japanese third baseman Munetaka Murakami (55) plays his position during the sixth inning against the United States at LoanDepot Park on March 21, 2023. (Sam Navarro/USA TODAY Sports)
Chicago hasn’t made the playoffs since 2021 and hasn’t been in contention to win the American League pennant since winning the World Series in 2005. Since then, the White Sox have only gone as far as the American League Division Series. The team has also only made three playoff appearances since 2005.
Last season, the White Sox won 60 games – an improvement from 2024’s 41 wins.
Chicago has a few young players who should be on its roster through 2026. Chase Meidroth, Colson Montgomery, Edgar Quero and Brooks Baldwin are under 25 and have high expectations to help turn the team around.
Japanese third baseman Munetaka Murakami (55) circles the bases after hitting a home run in the second inning against the United States at LoanDepot Park on March 21, 2023. (Sam Navarro/USA TODAY Sports)
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Shane Smith, who was an All-Star last year, will be the ace of the rotation. He had a 3.81 ERA and 145 strikeouts during his rookie season. He finished 10th in American League Rookie of the Year voting.
