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In a notable move for their rebuilding roster, the Chicago White Sox have officially added slugger Munetaka Murakami, finalizing a two-year contract with the accomplished player.

Deal Structure and Player Perks

The agreement grants a $1 million signing bonus, payable within 30 days, alongside salaries of $16 million for the upcoming season and $17M for the 2027 year.

Additionally, Murakami's 2027 salary may grow based on award achievements in 2026:

• $1 million for being named the MVP award.
• $500K for finishing in the top three in MVP voting.
• $250K for placing in the top ten.
• $250,000 for winning the ROY honor.

The agreement includes that he cannot be assigned to the minors without his consent and grants him a unrestricted player at the conclusion of the term. Additional perks include a dedicated interpreter and travel costs between the U.S. and Japan.

Transfer Payment and Team Legacy

As part of the signing, Chicago must pay a posting fee of $6,575,000 to the Tokyo Yakult Swallows, Murakami's former team in Japan's NPB. The Yakult organization would also receive a 15% cut of any triggered incentive payments.

Murakami joins the ranks as the fourth player from Japan to play for the South Siders, following pitcher Shingo Takatsu (2004-05), infielder Tadahito Iguchi (2005-07), and fielder Kosuke Fukudome (2012). Notably, Takatsu was a manager for Murakami back in Japan.

On-Field Accomplishments

Murakami, a lefty bat who will turn 26 on February 2nd, joins a emerging group of offensive players in Chicago that includes prospects like Colson Montgomery, Kyle Teel, and Chase Meidroth. The club are coming off a 60-102 season, finishing last in the division but showing a notable improvement from the prior campaign.

A two-time Central League MVP honors in consecutive seasons, Murakami is famous for a record-breaking 2022 season where he belted 56 homers, surpassing the all-time record for a NPB hitter previously held by legend Sadaharu Oh. That feat also made him the youngest player ever to secure Japan's coveted batting Triple Crown.

His most recent NPB campaign was curtailed to 56 games due to an side strain. Even with recording 64 times, he batted .273 with 22 home runs and 47 driven in.

Over his eight-year tenure with the Swallows, Murakami has compiled a .270 lifetime batting average with 246 homers, 647 runs batted in, and 977 strikeouts in nearly 900 games. Initially playing primarily at first, he has since transitioned to third base.

Global Stage Success

Murakami's clutch hitting were on full display during the 2023 WBC. In the semifinal against Mexico, he delivered a game-ending two-base hit that scored two fellow Japanese stars for a dramatic 6-5 win. The following day in the title match against the USA, he blasted a game-tying home run in the second inning, setting the stage for Japan's eventual 3-2 victory.

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