Munetaka Murakami playing on himself with White Sox deal

Munetaka Murakami has discovered a house for the 2026 season.

Murakami is reportedly in settlement on a two-year, $34 million contract with the Chicago White Sox. This settlement comes as Murakami’s posting window was about to shut — he had till 5:00 p.m. ET on Monday to comply with a contract, or he would return to Japan for the upcoming season.

Such a result’s a stunning ending to what has been a quiet posting window for Murakami. MLB Commerce Rumors had ranked Murakami because the fourth-best free agent out there, predicting that he would obtain an eight-year deal value $180 million. Whereas different groups reportedly had long-term affords, they didn’t have the identical common annual worth that he was anticipated to obtain.

Munetaka Murakami has to show himself with White Sox

Murakami had been the most effective energy hitters in Nippon Skilled Baseball throughout his time with the Yakult Swallows. He hit 246 homers in his 3,780 plate appearances over elements of eight years and set a document for Japanese-born gamers by hitting 56 homers in 2022. Murakami was additionally adept at working the rely, drawing a stroll in 16.2 p.c of all plate appearances. That mixture of energy and willingness to work a stroll is the kind of profile groups covet.

Nevertheless, Murakami additionally comes together with his share of pink flags. Whereas Murakami drew walks, he additionally struck out in 28.8 p.c of his plate appearances between 2023 and 2025. His 72.6 p.c in-zone contact charge would have been the bottom within the majors. Murakami additionally got here with questions concerning his protection; he was anticipated to maneuver from third to first or grow to be a chosen hitter stateside.

These pink flags led to an unexpectedly diminished market. Murakami must show the scouting reviews improper and present that he could make sufficient contact, particularly towards premium velocity, for his energy potential to matter. If he can, Murakami can be arrange for a big payday when he returns to free company at 27 years previous. It’s a vital gamble, however it’s one he wanted to take.