### Chicago White Sox Sign Japanese Power Hitter Munetaka Murakami to a $34 Million Deal The Chicago White Sox have made a significant move in their rebuilding efforts by signing Japanese slugger Munetaka Murakami to a two-year contract worth $34 million. General manager Chris Getz has high expectations for Murakami, describing him as "one of the most prolific power hitters on the planet" and anticipating that he will make an immediate impact on the team next season. Murakami, who has a career batting average of .270 with 246 home runs and 647 RBIs over eight seasons with the Yakult Swallows in Japan, is expected to bolster a White Sox lineup that struggled offensively last season [https://apnews.com/article/white-sox-murakami-c728ac762c7e2cbd270efe1b8034ff92, https://abc7chicago.com/post/mlb-news-chicago-white-sox-add-japanese-baseball-star-munetaka-murakami-34-million-2-year-contract/18305550]. ### Overview of the Signing and Its Implications 1. **Contract Details**: - Murakami signed a two-year, $34 million contract with the White Sox, which was finalized on December 21, 2025 [https://nypost.com/2025/12/21/sports/white-sox-sign-munetaka-murakami-to-34-million-contract]. 2. **Player Background**: - The 25-year-old slugger has a notable track record, including a .270 career average, 246 home runs, and 647 RBIs in 892 games. He was the Central League MVP in 2021 and 2022 [https://apnews.com/article/white-sox-murakami-b8c8ccd00b97b2d5a6f7eedb11df70d6]. 3. **Team Context**: - The White Sox finished last in the AL Central with a 60-102 record in 2025, but they improved by 19 games from the previous season. Murakami's addition is seen as a step towards revitalizing the team's performance [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/white-sox-add-munetaka-murakami-171504641.html]. 4. **Future Prospects**: - Murakami is expected to play for Team Japan in the upcoming World Baseball Classic, showcasing his talent on an international stage [https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/chicago-white-sox/world-baseball-classic-news-white-sox-munetaka-murakami-play-team-japan]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Career Statistics**: - **Batting Average**: .270 - **Home Runs**: 246 - **RBIs**: 647 - **Games Played**: 892 - **Seasons in NPB**: 8 [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/white-sox-add-munetaka-murakami-171504641.html]. - **Performance Highlights**: - Murakami hit a record 56 home runs in a single season at the age of 22, establishing himself as one of Japan's premier hitters [https://yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/japanese_hr_king_munetaka_murakami_signs_with_surprising_team/s1_127_43233388]. ### Conclusion: A Strategic Move for the White Sox The Chicago White Sox's signing of Munetaka Murakami represents a strategic effort to enhance their roster as they continue their rebuilding phase. 1. **Immediate Impact**: Murakami is expected to provide the power the White Sox lacked last season, potentially transforming their offensive capabilities. 2. **Long-Term Vision**: The two-year contract allows the team to evaluate Murakami's fit while keeping future options open for further roster improvements. 3. **Youthful Core**: Murakami joins a young and promising group of players, including Colson Montgomery and Kyle Teel, which could lead to a more competitive team in the coming seasons [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/white-sox-win-sweepstakes-for-japanese-slugger-munetaka-murakami/s1_13132_43233527]. In summary, the White Sox's acquisition of Murakami is a significant step towards revitalizing their team and improving their performance in the upcoming MLB season [https://manilastandard.net/sports/314683641/murakami-joins-chicago-white-sox.html].