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The Chicago White Sox are reportedly ready to add some power to their lineup.
The White Sox and Japanese slugger Munetaka Murakami agreed to a two-year, $34 million deal, ESPN reported Sunday.
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Japan’s Munetaka Murakami rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the second inning of a World Baseball Classic game against the United States, March 21, 2023, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier, file)
Murakami, 25, was one of the youngest players on the free agent market. He started his career with the Tokyo Yakult Swallows and set the record for most home runs in a single season with 56 in 2022. The mark surpassed Sadaharu Oh’s mark set in 1964.
Murakami was injured during the 2025 season. He hit 22 home runs in 56 games and had 265 home runs in 1,003 games. He is mostly known as a third baseman or first baseman defensively, but could end up as the White Sox’s designated hitter.
The Murakami deal is among the first steps in Chicago to rebuild its roster after years of futility.
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Japan third baseman Munetaka Murakami (55) plays his position during the sixth inning against the United States at LoanDepot Park on March 21, 2023. (Sam Navarro/USA TODAY Sports)
Chicago hasn’t reached the postseason since 2021 and hasn’t been in contention for the American League pennant since winning the World Series in 2005. Since then, the White Sox have only gotten as far as the American League Division Series. The team has also made just three postseason appearances since 2005.
Last season, the White Sox won 60 games – an improvement over 41 wins in 2024.
Chicago has a few young players expected to be in its lineup in 2026. Chase Meidroth, Colson Montgomery, Edgar Quero and Brooks Baldwin are all under 25 and come with high expectations to help turn the team around.
Japan third baseman Munetaka Murakami (55) circles the bases after hitting a home run during the second inning against the United States at LoanDepot Park on March 21, 2023. (Sam Navarro/USA TODAY Sports)
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Shane Smith, who was an All-Star last year, will be the ace of the rotation. He had a 3.81 ERA and 145 strikeouts in his rookie season. He finished 10th in the American League Rookie of the Year voting.
