Chicago White Sox: Munetake Murakami nabs top-5 MLB rookie ranking

Imagn Images

Chicago White Sox: Munetake Murakami nabs top-5 MLB rookie ranking

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Robin Adams | Last updated Apr 29, 2026 1:52 PM ET

The Chicago White Sox have won the first two games of their series against the Los Angeles Angels. They are now 13-17 on the season, just two games out of first place in the woeful American League Central Division. No team in their division is over .500, so despite their inconsistent play, they are not out of the conversation yet.

Of course, much of the positive news that has surrounded the White Sox ever since the start of the season has been the power stroke of rookie first baseman Munetaka Murakami. After signing with Chicago on a two-year $34 million contract prior to the season, the Japanese star has quickly emerged as one of Major League Baseball’s premier home run hitters.

Chicago White Sox star Munetaka Murakami named the 4th-best rookie in MLB

Apr 27, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago White Sox first baseman Munetaka Murakami (5) rounds the bases after hitting a three-run home run against the Los Angeles Angels during the seventh inning at Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Bleacher Report recently released their ranking of the top 15 rookies in Major League Baseball. Not surprisingly, Murakami slotted in near the top, coming in at number four:

“Initially expected to get a contract in excess of $100 million, Munetaka Murakami’s market didn’t pan out how he had hoped this past offseason, forcing him to settle for a two-year, $34 million contract with the White Sox.

“Right now, the rest of the league has egg on their faces.

“Even with Murakami striking out at a rather-alarming 33.6 percent clip, he’s been such a strong power producer that he’s an early AL Rookie of the Year favorite. Murakami’s 11 home runs are, at the time of publication, tied with Yordan Alvarez for the MLB lead. He’s also got a .935 OPS, and an 18 percent walk percentage.

“The White Sox would probably be wise to try to reach a long-term extension with Murakami sooner rather than later, because if he reaches free agency for a second time, his market is going to be much more robust.”

So far this season, Murakami has played in all 30 games and is hitting .241/.366/.574 with 12 home runs and 23 RBI. His 12 home runs are tied with New York Yankees star Aaron Judge for the most in MLB, but his 45 strikeouts also lead the American League.

That, however, was to be expected. His high strikeout totals in Japan are what scared many clubs away from signing him. While he also hit massive amounts of home runs, there was uncertainty whether his power numbers would translate to the league.

So far, they have, and the White Sox are reaping all the benefits.

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

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