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The 45-day window for Munetaka Murakami to sign a contract with a Major League Baseball team ended tomorrow (Monday, December 22) at 5 p.m. (Quebec time). This meant that time was running out for the Japanese player, with a decision expected in the near future.
And now, according to ESPN's Jeff Passan, the hitter has signed with Chicago's White Sox to play first base. The two-year deal is worth $34 million.
News: Japanese slugger Munetaka Murakami is joining the Chicago White Sox on a two-year, $34 million contract. His physical has been passed. The deal is done. And the White Sox add a bat with superstar ceiling – and flaws. All the details free at ESPN: https://t.co/xN64L4XFDx
– Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 21, 2025
Rumors have been swirling in this direction recently.
Known for his power, as evidenced by his 56 home runs in 2022, Murakami will bring significant help on the offensive side of the ball to a White Sox lineup that finished 28th in the entire league in power percentage (.373).
The White Sox leader in long balls last season was second baseman Lenyn Sosa, who nearly tripled his home run total in 2025 with a total of 22. Murakami could easily reach the 30-bomb mark.
However, the Japanese player comes to America with his share of question marks, not least in the strikeout department, having struck out more than 180 times on two occasions in his career in the Land of the Rising Sun. His defensive game has also meant that interest in him has been more limited in recent weeks.
But after a historically disastrous season in 2024, with a record of 41 wins against 121 losses, the Chicago White Sox improved their record to 19 wins in 2025 (60-102) and must continue to progress in 2026.
Murakami didn't get the long-term contract he wanted, then. So he's taking a gamble with a team that will give him playing time, and he can retest the market when he's established in Major League Baseball.
In the meantime, the White Sox make their biggest free agent move in years. Murakami, Colson Montgomery, Kyle Teel, Edgar Quero, Miguel Vargas – Chicago has a lot of young, interesting talent. And the upside for Murakami is enormous. A savvy move to get two prime years.
– Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 21, 2025
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