Last-Minute Decision with Struggling Franchise
In a surprising move that concluded just hours before the deadline, former Yakult Swallows slugger Munetaka Murakami has agreed to a two-year, $34 million contract with the Chicago White Sox. The agreement was reached on December 21, 2024, mere hours before the posting deadline of 5 p.m. ET on December 22 (7 a.m. JST on December 23).
Throughout the 45-day negotiation window that began November 7, speculation about Murakami's destination remained quiet, with the 25-year-old power hitter conducting discussions with multiple teams behind closed doors.
From $180M Expectations to $34M Reality
Murakami entered the MLB market with exceptional credentials. In 2022, at just 22 years old, he became the youngest Triple Crown winner in Japanese baseball history, batting .318 with 56 home runs and 134 RBIs. The 56 homers broke Sadaharu Oh's long-standing NPB record for Japanese-born players, earning Murakami the nickname "Japanese Babe Ruth."
Initial projections suggested Murakami could command a contract exceeding $180 million over multiple years. However, the final agreement came in at less than one-fifth of those expectations. Several factors contributed to this dramatic reduction:
Key Concerns:
- Strikeout rate: Over 28% strikeout rate in three consecutive seasons
- Contact issues: 72.6% in-zone contact rate, well below MLB's 82.5% average
- Defensive questions: Limited to corner infield positions or DH in the majors
- Injury history: Played only 56 games in 2024 due to oblique strain
American media characterized Murakami as "high-risk, high-reward," leading many contending teams to adopt a cautious approach.
Why the White Sox? Understanding the Strategic Fit
The Chicago White Sox present an unusual destination for a player of Murakami's caliber. The team has endured three consecutive 100-loss seasons, including a historic 121-loss campaign in 2024 (worst in modern baseball history) and a 60-102 record in 2025, finishing last in the AL Central Division.
Yet this seemingly poor fit actually creates a win-win scenario for both parties.
Benefits for Murakami:
- Guaranteed starting position at third base (currently vacant)
- Significantly less pressure compared to contending teams
- Lower media scrutiny than cross-town Cubs
- Ideal environment to adapt to MLB baseball
- Time to develop without playoff expectations
- Major market exposure with manageable pressure
Benefits for White Sox:
- Limited risk due to short-term commitment
- Access to elite talent typically unavailable to small-market teams
- Addressing critical power shortage (165 home runs in 2025, second-worst in AL)
- Potential trade asset if he performs well
- Marketing boost and ticket sales increase
- Opportunity to rebuild international scouting pipeline to Japan
The Two-Year Strategy: Positioning for 2027 Free Agency
The short contract term reflects a calculated strategy. According to MLB.com, Murakami and his agent aim to "adapt and grow over two years in the majors, then re-enter free agency in the 2027 offseason to secure a mega-deal."
Historical evidence supports this cautious approach. Japanese position players rarely produce at their NPB levels in their first MLB season. During this two-year window, Murakami will focus on:
- Adjusting swing mechanics for MLB pitchers
- Adapting to higher-velocity fastballs and advanced breaking pitches
- Learning to play in spacious outdoor ballparks on natural grass
- Managing Chicago's notorious winds at Guaranteed Rate Field
If successful, Murakami could enter 2027 free agency at age 27 with proven MLB credentials, commanding significantly higher compensation. Additionally, strong performance could result in a mid-season trade to a contender during his second year.
Japanese Players' White Sox Legacy
The White Sox organization has historical connections to Japanese baseball:
- Tadahito Iguchi (2005-2007): Contributed to 2005 World Series championship
- Shingo Takatsu (2004-2005): Served as closer
- Hirotoshi Takatsu (2004-2006): Relief pitcher
- Kosuke Fukudome (2012): Veteran outfielder
Notably, former White Sox pitcher Tsuyoshi Shinjo managed Murakami at Yakult, adding a personal connection to the franchise history.
Additionally, DeNA's Trevor Kaye recently signed a two-year deal with the White Sox, ensuring Murakami will have a Japanese teammate.
Contract Details and Timeline
Contract Specifics:
- Length: 2 years
- Total value: $34 million
- Average annual value: $17 million
- Posting fee to Yakult Swallows: Approximately $6.6 million
- Uniform number: #5
- Free agency status: Eligible for free agency (not arbitration) after 2027 season
Murakami is currently traveling to Chicago to finalize the agreement. The White Sox will hold a press conference at 11 a.m. CT on December 23 to officially introduce their new slugger.
Unusual Free Agent Market Dynamics
This winter's free agent market has moved unusually slowly. Major players remain unsigned, including Kyle Tucker (outfielder, 28), Alex Bregman (third baseman, 31), and Eugenio Suarez (third baseman, 34). The market stagnation for third basemen and left-handed power hitters contributed to Murakami's modest contract value.
Tucker, notably, shares agent Casey Close with Murakami, creating potential market dynamics that may have influenced the timing and structure of deals.
From Kumamoto to Chicago: A Young Star's Journey
Murakami signed with the Yakult Swallows in 2018 straight out of Kumamoto's Kyushu Gakuin High School. Over eight NPB seasons, he established himself as one of Japan's premier power hitters:
Career Statistics:
- Games: 892
- Batting average: .270
- Home runs: 246
- RBIs: 647
- OPS: .951
Notable Achievements:
- 2019 (age 19): 36 home runs in second professional season
- 2022 (age 22): 56 home runs (NPB record for Japanese-born players)
- 2022: Triple Crown (.318 BA, 56 HR, 134 RBI)
- 2023 WBC: Key contributor to Japan's championship, including 432-foot homer vs. USA
Despite playing just 56 games in 2024 due to injury, Murakami hit 22 home runs—a total that would have led or tied for the White Sox team lead (Lenyn Sosa, 22 HR).
Building Blocks: White Sox Young Core
Murakami joins an emerging young core that includes:
- Colson Montgomery (shortstop): Top prospect
- Chase Meidroth (second base): Promising bat
- Kyle Teel (catcher): High-ceiling defensive backstop
- Edgar Quero (catcher): Power potential
The White Sox also hold the #1 overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft, with UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky expected to be the selection. This influx of young talent creates an intriguing timeline where the White Sox could emerge as contenders around 2027—precisely when Murakami might enter free agency or seek a contract extension.
The Challenges Ahead
Murakami faces significant adaptation challenges. His power is undeniable—his 90th-percentile exit velocity would rank fifth in MLB, and his hard-hit rate would be first. However, contact remains the primary concern.
If his strikeout rate increases as expected when facing MLB pitching (most NPB imports add 1.5-2.5 percentage points), Murakami could exceed 30% strikeouts. Only a handful of qualified MLB hitters maintain productivity at that level without elite speed or defensive value—neither of which applies to Murakami.
The White Sox are betting on his immense raw power (some scouts grade it as "90-grade" on the traditional 80-point scale) to compensate for contact issues. His performance in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, where he launched a 115.1 mph, 432-foot home run off Merrill Kelly in the championship game, demonstrates his capability against elite pitching.
Industry Reactions
The baseball world has expressed mixed reactions to the signing:
Positive perspectives:
- "Great value for Chicago—limited risk with huge upside potential"
- "Smart prove-it deal that could benefit both sides"
- "White Sox getting a potential superstar at a bargain price"
Skeptical views:
- "If this is all he could get, what do teams know that we don't?"
- "Contact concerns are legitimate—could struggle significantly"
- "Two years might not be enough time to adapt"
Looking Forward: High Stakes for Both Sides
For Murakami, these two seasons represent a critical proving ground. Success could lead to a nine-figure contract in 2027. Failure might result in a return to Japan or settling for a much more modest MLB role.
For the White Sox, the signing represents a calculated risk with minimal downside. At $17 million annually, the organization can absorb a disappointing outcome. Meanwhile, success could accelerate the franchise's rebuilding timeline while providing a marketable star for a fanbase desperate for hope after three brutal seasons.
The baseball world will be watching closely as Munetaka Murakami embarks on his American baseball journey, with the South Side of Chicago serving as his unlikely launching pad toward potential MLB stardom.
Reactions in Japan
Murakami to the White Sox!? What a surprising turn. But with a 2-year deal, he can build his resume and go for a big contract later. Might be a smart choice. Rooting for him!
It's sad to see him go, but we fully support Murakami's challenge. The White Sox may be weak, but that might actually be a good low-pressure environment to adapt. Go Murakami!
2 years for $34M seems way too cheap, doesn't it? That's less than 1/5 of initial predictions. Did the high strikeout rate really drop his value this much? Worried if he can compete in MLB.
The White Sox have lost 100+ games for three straight years. But that might be perfect for Murakami. With contenders, the competition for playing time is fierce and pressure is intense. Here he can settle in and develop.
What a last-minute signing lol. The fact they dragged it to the deadline means he was probably hoping for better offers. Guess only struggling teams were interested in the end.
Didn't expect Murakami's market value to be this low. Defense concerns and 28% strikeout rate really hurt him. But he's only 25 with room to grow. Just needs to prove himself in 2 years.
The White Sox had Takatsu and Iguchi. It's a team with connections to Murakami, and Japanese players have succeeded there before. I think it's a good choice.
I sense he's heading to be a perpetual last-place player. A team that's lost 100+ games three years straight is seriously bad. MLB isn't easy enough to win with just Murakami's power.
The short-term contract is a smart strategy. Build a track record in 2 years, then hit free agency at 27 for a bigger deal. Masataka Yoshida took a similar approach.
White Sox came out of nowhere lol. But thinking about it rationally, might be the best environment for Murakami. Guaranteed starter, low pressure, big city in Chicago.
Even $17M/year seems high to me. With his strikeout rate, he might not even be usable. White Sox took a big risk.
Losing Murakami hurts, but I want to see him succeed in MLB. Hope he wins a mega-deal like Ohtani in 2 years. We're rooting for you!
White Sox at this timing? The situation is getting more unpredictable. But Murakami will probably figure it out. His power is the real deal.
The White Sox have many promising young prospects. If Murakami becomes the centerpiece and helps rebuild the team, he'll have more offers from contenders in 2 years.
5.3 billion yen sounds expensive, but by MLB standards it's cheap. Considering Murakami's potential, the White Sox got a real bargain.
Really!? Not the Dodgers or Yankees but the White Sox. But thinking rationally, growing in a low-pressure environment is a huge advantage.
A 2-year contract means if it doesn't work out, it's over in 2 years. That's pressure for Murakami, but he must be confident.
Murakami's exit velocity and power are MLB top-tier. Even with high strikeouts, he has value if he hits home runs. Perfect acquisition for power-starved White Sox.
With the White Sox, he's guaranteed first or third base and plenty of at-bats. If he can't produce results there, it means MLB is too tough for him.
The last-minute decision shows Murakami and his agent carefully considered all options. They must have judged the White Sox as the optimal choice. Wishing him success!
As a White Sox fan, this signing is amazing! Murakami hit 56 homers in Japan. He'll bring the power our team desperately needs. With a 2-year deal, the risk is limited. Fantastic acquisition!
That 28% strikeout rate is concerning. It'll probably go up against MLB pitchers. But he's young and has time to adapt. Watching to see if he can land a big contract in 2 years.
2 years for $34M seems too cheap. Murakami's power is legit. The home run I saw him hit in the WBC was unbelievable. The White Sox might have found a steal.
The White Sox have lost 100+ games for three straight years. Doubtful they'll be competitive even with Murakami. But it's a low-pressure environment for him to develop, so strategically it might be the right choice.
Murakami is well-known in Korea too. He's a power hitter, but defense and strikeouts are weaknesses. Unknown if he can succeed in MLB. But at 25, he has potential. Hope he does well!
The short-term deal is smart. Japanese position players struggle in MLB, so testing adaptation over 2 years makes sense. If successful, he gets a big contract at 27. If not, he's still young enough to regroup.
From a European perspective, baseball contracts are incredibly high. But the MLB market where 2 years/$34M is considered 'cheap' is insane. Wishing Murakami success.
As a White Sox fan, I have mixed feelings. Want to be hopeful, but we've had many failed acquisitions. But Murakami is young and talented. This gives us hope for the team's future.
Saw Murakami in the WBC. His power is definitely MLB-caliber. The issue is strikeouts, but I think he can still hit 30+ homers. He's worth it for the White Sox.
Baseball is minor in Brazil, but Murakami's story is interesting. A young Japanese player chasing his dream in America is inspiring. Hope he succeeds even on a struggling team!
From Australia, I think the White Sox made a smart purchase. The risk is only 2 years, and if successful, they can get great returns via trade. If Murakami performs, it's win-win for both.
Baseball is barely known in France, but Murakami challenging himself on the world stage is wonderful. Sports have no borders. Wishing him success!
Murakami's news is trending in China too. Asian players succeeding in MLB is a source of pride for us. The White Sox might not be a great choice, but he'll figure it out.
Baseball is a minor sport in Spain, but Murakami's contract news is fascinating. Hard to understand a world where $34M is 'cheap.' But his challenging spirit is admirable.
Yankees fan here, honestly wanted Murakami. High strikeouts but real power. Hope he develops with the White Sox and joins the Yankees in 2 years!
We rarely watch baseball in Sweden, but this is interesting as international sports news. A young player challenging himself in a new environment is inspiring in any sport.
Living in Chicago, the White Sox finally made an exciting move! Can't wait to see Murakami's home runs at the ballpark. Gotta buy tickets!
Baseball is minor in Germany, but Murakami's strategic contract choice is interesting. The calculation to build a track record in 2 years for a bigger deal makes business sense.
Baseball is popular in Mexico too, but MLB contracts always amaze me. Murakami is talented, so hope he succeeds with the White Sox. Want to watch Asian baseball too!
As a baseball analyst, this deal is ideal for both sides. White Sox get talent with limited risk. Murakami gets time to develop and opens path to future mega-deal. Smart strategy.