🔗 Share this article Chicago's MLB Team Secure Japanese Slugger Munetaka Murakami on an Lucrative $34 Million Deal. In a major move for their retooling roster, the Chicago White Sox have signed slugger Munetaka Murakami, completing a lucrative contract for the accomplished player. Contract Details and Incentives The contract includes a seven-figure signing bonus, payable within 30 days, in addition to compensation of $16M for the 2026 season and $17 million for the final year. Additionally, Murakami's compensation can increase based on accolade achievements in 2026: $1 million for winning the league MVP award. Half a million dollars for placing as runner-up or in third place in MVP voting. A quarter-million for placing fourth through 10th. $250,000 for being named the top rookie honor. The contract also stipulates that he cannot be assigned to the minor leagues without his permission and grants him a free agent at the termination of the deal. Extra provisions include a team-provided interpreter and airfare between Japan and the U.S.. Transfer Payment and Team Legacy As part of the transaction, Chicago owes a compensation payment of over $6.5 million to the Yakult Swallows, Murakami's previous team in Japan's Central League. The Swallows get a additional payment of any triggered performance bonuses. Murakami is set to become the fourth Japanese-born to represent the South Siders, in the footsteps of pitcher Shingo Takatsu (2004-05), second baseman Tadahito Iguchi (2005-07), and outfielder Kosuke Fukudome (2012). Notably, Takatsu once managed Murakami while both were in Japan. On-Field Accomplishments Murakami, a left-side batter who turns 26 in February, joins a promising core of hitters in Chicago that also features prospects like Colson Montgomery, Kyle Teel, and Chase Meidroth. The White Sox are coming off a last-place season, finishing at the bottom in the American League Central but representing a 19-game improvement from the prior campaign. The winner of back-to-back Most Valuable Player honors in consecutive seasons, Murakami is renowned for a historic 2022 season where he belted 56 HRs, breaking the all-time record for a Japanese-born player formerly held by icon Sadaharu Oh. That performance also made him the youngest player ever to win Japan's elusive Triple Crown. His 2023 season was limited to a partial schedule due to an muscle issue. Even with fanning 64 Ks, he hit .273 with 22 home runs and 47 runs batted in. Over his career tenure with the Yakult club, Murakami has compiled a .270 career batting average with 246 home runs, 647 RBI, and nearly 1,000 strikeouts in nearly 900 games. He started playing mostly at first base, he has spent most of his time to the hot corner. International Pedigree Murakami's big-game performance were on center stage during the 2023 WBC. In the penultimate game against Mexico, he delivered a walk-off double that drove in teammates for a thrilling 6-5 victory. The very next day in the final against the United States, he hit a equalizing shot in the early innings, paving the way for Japan's 3-2 title triumph. The new White Sox addition is set to be unveiled at a press conference on Monday.