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In a notable move for their overhauling roster, the Chicago White Sox have officially added Japanese star Munetaka Murakami, agreeing to a two-year contract bringing in the power-hitting player.

Contract Details and Added Benefits

The deal features a substantial signing bonus, issued within 30 days, in addition to salaries of sixteen million for the next season and $17 million for the following year.

Notably, Murakami's 2027 salary is subject to escalators based on accolade achievements in 2026:

• An additional $1M for being named the MVP award.
• $500K for finishing second or third in MVP voting.
• A quarter-million for finishing in the top ten.
• Another $250,000 for being named the Rookie of the Year honor.

His deal provides that he cannot be assigned to the farm system without his consent and allows him to become a unrestricted player at the end of the term. Extra provisions include a dedicated interpreter and flight reimbursement between Japan and the U.S..

Transfer Payment and Team Legacy

As part of the signing, Chicago must pay a transfer fee of roughly $6.58 million to the Swallows, Murakami's longtime team in Japan's Central League. The Swallows get a supplemental fee of 15% triggered salary escalators.

Murakami joins the ranks as the fourth-ever Japanese to suit up for the South Siders, following pitcher Shingo Takatsu (2004-05), infielder Tadahito Iguchi (2005-07), and fielder Kosuke Fukudome (2012). Of note, Takatsu previously coached Murakami back in Japan.

Player Profile

Murakami, a left-handed hitter who will turn 26 soon, bolsters a young core of hitters in Chicago that contains prospects like Colson Montgomery, Kyle Teel, and Chase Meidroth. The White Sox are finished with a last-place season, placing at the bottom in the AL Central but representing a 19-game improvement from the year before campaign.

A two-time Most Valuable Player honors in consecutive seasons, Murakami is famous for a monumental 2022 season where he belted 56 homers, eclipsing the all-time record for a Japanese-born player previously held by legend Sadaharu Oh. That feat also made him the youngest player ever to secure Japan's coveted Triple Crown.

His last year was limited to a partial schedule due to an side strain. Despite fanning 64 Ks, he still managed .273 with 22 HRs and 47 driven in.

Over his career tenure with the Swallows, Murakami has posted a .270 career batting average with 246 home runs, 647 RBIs, and 977 strikeouts in 892 games. Initially playing primarily at first base, he has spent most of his time to third.

Global Stage Success

Murakami's clutch hitting were on full display during the 2023 WBC. In the semi-final against Mexico, he hit a victory-sealing double that brought home Shohei Ohtani and Masataka Yoshida for a come-from-behind 6-5 victory. The next night in the title match against the United States, he blasted a equalizing shot in the early innings, paving the way for Japan's eventual 3-2 victory.

The power hitter is scheduled to be unveiled at a introductory event on Monday.