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MLB Makes Announcement on Munetaka Murakami
© Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images

MLB Makes Announcement on Munetaka Murakami

Originally posted on Athlon Sports  |  By Will Chesanek  |  Last updated May 12, 2026 3:47 PM ET
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Munetaka Murakami is off to a strong start for the Chicago White Sox during the 2026 MLB season. Murakami signed a two-year, $34 million contract with Chicago on Dec. 21, 2025. The left-handed batter came out of the gates swinging for the fences, becoming the first player in White Sox history to hit a home run in each of his first three career games.

The 6-foot-2 slugger led the majors with 13 home runs on May 1. Murakami currently ranks third in MLB with 15 home runs, trailing only Kyle Schwarber of the Philadelphia Phillies and Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees, who each have 16. The Japan native is also tied for 17th in OPS (.920) and tied for 10th in RBIs with 29.

Chicago White Sox first baseman Munetaka Murakami (5) Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images

Major League Baseball is beginning to take notice, with pitchers already pitching around the rookie sensation, who ranks eighth in the majors with 30 walks. On Tuesday, MLB took further notice by recognizing Murakami. Selected by a panel of MLB.com experts, the White Sox first baseman earned the No. 1 spot in the American League Rookie of the Year poll.

On Instagram, MLB posted a graphic containing the top five Rookie of the Year rankings in both the AL and NL. Nolan McLean of the New York Mets leads the poll for the National League, with the full AL rankings as follows:

  1. Munetaka Murakami — Chicago White Sox first baseman
  2. Kevin McGonigle — Detroit Tigers shortstop
  3. Chase DeLauter — Cleveland Guardians right fielder
  4. Kazuma Okamoto — Toronto Blue Jaysthird baseman
  5. Parker Messick — Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher

“Rookies have made a HUGE impact in 2026 ⭐️,” MLB wrote on Instagram. “Who’s your favorite to win the AL and NL Rookie of the Year awards?”

Chicago will begin a three-game homestand against Kansas City on Tuesday at 7:40 p.m. ET.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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