🔗 Share this article Chicago White Sox Land Star Hitter Munetaka Murakami on a Major Multi-Million Dollar Agreement. In a major move for their rebuilding roster, the South Side team have welcomed infielder Munetaka Murakami, agreeing to a two-year contract for the power-hitting player. Financial Terms and Player Perks The agreement features a substantial signing bonus, issued within 30 days, in addition to annual pay of $16M for the next season and $17M for the 2027 year. Notably, Murakami's compensation may grow based on accolade achievements in 2026: An additional $1M for winning the Most Valuable Player award. Half a million dollars for placing second or third in MVP voting. $250K for placing fourth through 10th. An identical bonus for earning the ROY honor. His deal also stipulates that he will not be optioned to the minors without his approval and allows him to become a unrestricted player at the conclusion of the term. Additional perks include a team-provided interpreter and travel costs between Japan and the U.S.. Posting Fee and Team Legacy As part of the acquisition, Chicago owes a posting fee of $6,575,000 to the Yakult Swallows, Murakami's previous team in Japan's NPB. The Yakult organization get a additional payment of fifteen percent triggered performance bonuses. Murakami is set to become the fourth-ever player from Japan to play for the Chicago franchise, in the footsteps of reliever Shingo Takatsu (2004-05), second baseman Tadahito Iguchi (2005-07), and fielder Kosuke Fukudome (2012). Notably, Takatsu previously coached Murakami back in Japan. On-Field Accomplishments Murakami, a left-side batter who turns 26 on February 2nd, bolsters a promising core of hitters in Chicago that also features prospects like Colson Montgomery, Kyle Teel, and Chase Meidroth. The club are coming off a difficult season, finishing last in the American League Central but showing a significant improvement from the previous campaign. A two-time Central League MVP honors in consecutive seasons, Murakami is famous for a historic 2022 season where he belted 56 homers, surpassing the all-time record for a NPB hitter previously held by icon Sadaharu Oh. That year also made him the youngest player ever to secure Japan's elusive batting Triple Crown. His most recent NPB campaign was shortened to 56 games due to an side strain. Even with recording often, he still managed .273 with 22 home runs and 47 driven in. Over his eight-season tenure with the Swallows, Murakami has posted a .270 career batting average with 246 HRs, 647 RBI, and nearly 1,000 strikeouts in nearly 900 games. He started playing primarily at first, he has since transitioned to third base. International Pedigree Murakami's heroics were on global view during the 2023 World Baseball Classic. In the semi-final against Mexico, he hit a victory-sealing double that brought home teammates for a thrilling 6-5 win. The next night in the championship game against the United States, he slugged a tying home run in the second inning, paving the way for Japan's eventual championship win. The power hitter is slated to be unveiled at a introductory event on Monday.