Munetaka Murakami Makes History for White Sox

Murakami has proven to be one of the biggest gets of the MLB offseason, especially since the White Sox signed the Japanese phenom to just a two-year, $34 million deal.

That move has since paid off massively for Chicago. Through 55 games, Murakami is slashing .240/.375/.561 with 20 home runs, 40 RBI, 42 runs scored and an OPS of .936. He has also homered in his last three games and is now on pace to mash 60 home runs and drive in 120 runs, numbers that would play himself into the AL MVP conversation if he keeps it up.

The 26-year-old's fantastic rookie campaign to this point has not only helped the White Sox emerge as one of baseball's most prolific offenses, but also helped the team surprise many by sitting in second place in the American League Central at 28-27.

After finishing in last place in the AL Central in back-to-back seasons, which included an MLB-record 121 losses in 2024, the White Sox had low expectations entering the 2026 season even after signing Murakami. But the vibes in the South Side of Chicago have quickly shifted, with Murakami one of the reasons.

While Murakami was certainly known for his power at the plate, as he currently holds the Nippon Professional Baseball league home run record with 56 homers, there were concerns about how his skillset would translate to Major League Baseball due to his high strikeout totals and trouble hitting high velocity. Considering the record he's already set in just his first year, those concerns can be put to rest.

And with the pace Murakami is currently on, it may not be too long before the "Samurai Sword" sets more records in what has already been a fabulous rookie season.