Japanese slugger Munetaka Murakami has come to terms on a move to the major leagues, less than two days before a deadline that would have returned him to Japan.
Murakami, 25, has agreed to a two-year, $34 million deal with the Chicago White Sox, persons with knowledge of the deal have confirmed to USA TODAY Sports. The persons spoke on the condition of anonymity since the deal has not been officially announced. The deal was first reported by ESPN.
Murakami will provide the White Sox with some much-needed power after posting an OPS over 1.000 in three of his last six seasons in the Japan Central League.
Murakami faced a deadline of 5 p.m. ET on Monday Dec. 22, to decide on a team, based on the 45-day posting window veteran players from Japan enter when they transfer from NPB to the majors.
Here’s what to know about the White Sox’s latest acquisition.
Munetaka Murakami contract details
Munetaka Murakami 2025 stats
Murakami played in 69 games last year across both the Japan Central and Eastern Leagues. Across 263 plate appearances, Murakami smacked 24 home runs with a .286/.392/.659 triple-slash, good for a 1.051 OPS.
The left-handed slugger hit 56 home runs in 2022, breaking the record for a Japan-born player set in 1964 by Sadaharu Oh.
Murakami started his playing career at just 18 years old. In his eight years in pro ball, he’s recorded a .945 OPS. For perspective, Shohei Ohtani managed an .859 OPS across five seasons in Japan before joining the Los Angeles Angels.
