🔗 Share this article Chicago White Sox Secure Star Hitter Munetaka Murakami on a Lucrative Two-Year Deal. In a notable move for their retooling roster, the Chicago White Sox have signed slugger Munetaka Murakami, agreeing to a $34 million contract with the power-hitting player. Deal Structure and Player Perks The deal grants a substantial signing bonus, to be paid within 30 days, combined with compensation of $16M for the 2026 season and $17M for the 2027 year. Importantly, Murakami's 2027 salary is subject to escalators based on accolade achievements in 2026: $1 million for being named the Most Valuable Player award. $500,000 for finishing in the top three in MVP voting. $250K for ranking fourth through 10th. Another $250,000 for earning the ROY honor. The contract also stipulates that he cannot be assigned to the minor leagues without his approval and grants him a free agent at the termination of the term. Additional perks include a team-provided interpreter and airfare between his home country and the States. Compensation and Historical Context As part of the acquisition, Chicago is obligated to provide a posting fee of roughly $6.58 million to the Tokyo Yakult Swallows, Murakami's previous team in Japan's NPB. The Swallows get a 15% cut of any triggered salary escalators. Murakami will become the fourth Japanese-born to play for the South Siders, joining reliever Shingo Takatsu (2004-05), second baseman Tadahito Iguchi (2005-07), and fielder Kosuke Fukudome (2012). Of note, Takatsu was a manager for Murakami back in Japan. Career Highlights Murakami, a left-handed hitter who will turn 26 on February 2nd, joins a emerging group of offensive players in Chicago that also features prospects like Colson Montgomery, Kyle Teel, and Chase Meidroth. The club are coming off a difficult season, placing at the bottom in the AL Central but showing a notable improvement from the prior campaign. Having earned Most Valuable Player honors in consecutive seasons, Murakami made history with a record-breaking 2022 season where he launched 56 home runs, eclipsing the all-time record for a NPB hitter previously held by legend Sadaharu Oh. That year also made him the youngest player ever to secure Japan's prestigious Triple Crown. His last year was limited to 56 games due to an side strain. Despite fanning often, he batted .273 with 22 homers and 47 driven in. Over his eight-year tenure with the Yakult club, Murakami has compiled a .270 batting average with 246 home runs, 647 runs batted in, and 977 strikeouts in 892 games. Initially playing mainly at first, he has spent most of his time to third base. International Pedigree Murakami's heroics were on full display during the 2023 World Baseball Classic. In the penultimate game against Mexico, he hit a game-ending two-base hit that brought home two fellow Japanese stars for a come-from-behind 6-5 win. The following day in the final against the Team USA, he blasted a equalizing home run in the second inning, setting the stage for Japan's eventual title triumph. The power hitter is set to be officially presented at a media availability on the coming Monday.