Chicago White Sox: Munetaka Murakami takes home American League Award

Imagn Images

Chicago White Sox: Munetaka Murakami takes home American League Award

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Robin Adams | Last updated Jun 3, 2026 3:13 PM ET

The Chicago White Sox have far exceeded any and all expectations so far this season. After three consecutive years in which they lost 100 or more games, they currently sit at 32-29. And while that record may not seem impressive on the surface, consider this: if Chicago goes 10-91 the rest of the way, they will finish with a better record than they had in 2024.

Not only that, but the White Sox are just one of five teams in the American League that currently has a winning record.

Indeed, things are changing on the south side, and the buzz started early in the off-season when Chicago was able to sign Munetaka Murakami.

Chicago White Sox slugger Munetaka Murakami has won the AL Rookie of the Month Award

May 29, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago White Sox first baseman Munetaka Murakami (5) at bat against the Detroit Tigers during the first inning at Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images

Murakami, the Japanese superstar, was expected to get a massive contract when he decided to come over to play Major League Baseball. However, MLB teams were scared away by his strikeout numbers and did not seriously pursue him.

This allowed the White Sox to ink Murakami to a two-year $34 million contract, and he has been worth every penny.

Thus far in 2026, Murakami is hitting .240/.378/.560 with 20 home runs 41 RBI. On Wednesday, it was announced that he won the American League Rookie of the Month for May:

it’s MUNE MANIA for a reason pic.twitter.com/dAEAR2SE3L

— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) June 3, 2026

Murakami played in 26 games in May, and hit .244/.382/.556 with eight home runs and 18 RBI.

Unfortunately, of course, he also suffered a grade-two hamstring strain at the end of the month. Due to the severity of the strain, he will miss the next 4-6 weeks.

Hopefully he is able to pick up where he left off when he got hurt and possibly win a couple more of these awards before the season is over.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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