Munetaka Murakami Prepares for MLB Debut With Chicago White Sox

Japanese slugger Munetaka Murakami is gearing up for his first MLB season with the Chicago White Sox after signing a two-year, $34 million contract. The 26-year-old, who hit an NPB-record 56 home runs in 2022, is currently participating in the 2026 World Baseball Classic for Team Japan. While his elite power is highly anticipated, scouts are monitoring his high strikeout rate. The White Sox paid a $6.575 million transfer fee to the Yakult Swallows to secure his services.