🔗 Share this article Chicago White Sox Land Japanese Slugger Munetaka Murakami on a Substantial $34 Million Deal. In a significant move for their retooling roster, the American League club have officially added infielder Munetaka Murakami, finalizing a two-year contract with the accomplished player. Contract Details and Added Benefits The agreement features a substantial signing bonus, issued within 30 days, in addition to annual pay of sixteen million for the upcoming season and $17M for the 2027 year. Additionally, Murakami's 2027 salary can increase based on award achievements in 2026: $1 million for winning the MVP award. Half a million dollars for finishing as runner-up or in third place in MVP voting. A quarter-million for finishing in the top ten. An identical bonus for being named the top rookie honor. The contract provides that he cannot be assigned to the minors without his approval and grants him a unrestricted player at the conclusion of the deal. Extra provisions include a dedicated interpreter and airfare between Japan and the U.S.. Transfer Payment and Franchise History As part of the signing, Chicago is obligated to provide a transfer fee of roughly $6.58 million to the Tokyo Yakult Swallows, Murakami's longtime team in Japan's Central League. The Yakult organization would also receive a supplemental fee of fifteen percent triggered performance bonuses. Murakami will become the fourth-ever Japanese to represent the White Sox, joining reliever Shingo Takatsu (2004-05), infielder Tadahito Iguchi (2005-07), and outfielder Kosuke Fukudome (2012). Of note, Takatsu once managed Murakami during their time in Japan. Player Profile Murakami, a left-handed hitter who turns 26 on February 2nd, joins a emerging group of offensive players in Chicago that includes prospects like Colson Montgomery, Kyle Teel, and Chase Meidroth. The White Sox are coming off a 60-102 season, placing last in the division but showing a notable improvement from the previous campaign. The winner of back-to-back Most Valuable Player honors in consecutive seasons, Murakami is renowned for a record-breaking 2022 season where he hit 56 home runs, eclipsing the single-season record for a player in Japan formerly held by legend Sadaharu Oh. That feat also made him the youngest player ever to secure Japan's prestigious Triple Crown. His 2023 season was limited to 56 games due to an muscle issue. Despite recording often, he still managed .273 with 22 homers and 47 RBIs. Over his career tenure with the Yakult club, Murakami has compiled a .270 batting average with 246 HRs, 647 RBIs, and 977 Ks in nearly 900 games. He started playing mostly at first base, he has more recently played to the hot corner. WBC Heroics Murakami's heroics were on center stage during the 2023 WBC. In the penultimate game against Mexico, he drove in a victory-sealing two-base hit that drove in Shohei Ohtani and Masataka Yoshida for a dramatic one-run win. The next night in the championship game against the Team USA, he hit a equalizing homer in the second inning, paving the way for Japan's 3-2 title triumph. The lefty slugger is slated to be officially presented at a press conference on Monday.