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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 contract worth $34 million, ESPN reported Sunday.
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Japan’s Munetaka Murakami rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the 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 began his career with the Tokyo Yakult Swallows and set the record for most home runs hit in a single season with 56 in 2022. He surpassed Sadaharu Oh’s mark set in 1964.
Murakami was injured during the 2025 season. He hit 22 home runs in 56 games and 265 home runs in 1,003 games. He is primarily known as a defensive third baseman or first baseman, but could end up as the White Sox’s designated hitter.
The deal with Murakami is one of the first steps for Chicago to rebuild its roster after years of futility.
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Japanese third baseman Munetaka Murakami plays against the United States at LoanDepot Park on March 21, 2023. (Sam Navarro/USA Today Sports)
Chicago has not made the postseason since 2021 and has not been in contention to win the American League pennant since winning the World Series in 2005. Since then, the White Sox have only made it as far as the American League Division Series. The team also has only three postseason appearances since 2005.
Last season, the White Sox won 60 games, an improvement from 41 wins in 2024.
Chicago has some young players projected to be in its lineup heading into 2026. Chase Meidroth, Colson Montgomery, Edgar Quero and Brooks Baldwin are all under 25 years old and come with high expectations to help turn the team around.
Japanese third baseman Munetaka Murakami rounds the bases after hitting a home run 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 tenth in American League Rookie of the Year voting.
