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In a notable move for their retooling roster, the Chicago White Sox have welcomed Japanese star Munetaka Murakami, agreeing to a two-year contract with the power-hitting player.

Contract Details and Player Perks

The agreement features a seven-figure signing bonus, to be paid within 30 days, in addition to annual pay of $16 million for the upcoming season and $17 million for the 2027 year.

Notably, Murakami's final-year pay may grow based on award achievements in 2026:

• An additional $1M 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 Rookie of the Year honor.

His deal also stipulates that he will not be optioned to the farm system without his permission and grants him a free agent at the conclusion of the deal. Further benefits include a team-provided interpreter and flight reimbursement between Japan and the U.S..

Transfer Payment and Team Legacy

As part of the signing, Chicago must pay a posting fee of roughly $6.58 million to the Swallows, Murakami's previous team in Japan's Central League. The Yakult organization would also receive a 15% cut of any triggered salary escalators.

Murakami joins the ranks as the fourth player from Japan to represent the Chicago franchise, following reliever Shingo Takatsu (2004-05), second baseman Tadahito Iguchi (2005-07), and fielder Kosuke Fukudome (2012). Of note, Takatsu was a manager for Murakami while both were in Japan.

Player Profile

Murakami, a left-handed hitter who will turn 26 soon, joins a young group of offensive players in Chicago that contains prospects like Colson Montgomery, Kyle Teel, and Chase Meidroth. The club are finished with a difficult season, finishing at the bottom in the American League Central but representing a notable improvement from the previous campaign.

Having earned Central League MVP honors in consecutive seasons, Murakami made history with a monumental 2022 season where he belted 56 HRs, breaking the longstanding record for a Japanese-born player previously held by icon Sadaharu Oh. That feat also made him the most youthful hitter ever to achieve Japan's elusive batting Triple Crown.

His last year was shortened to just 56 appearances due to an oblique injury. Even with striking out often, he still managed .273 with 22 HRs and 47 runs batted in.

Over his career tenure with the Swallows, Murakami has compiled a .270 career batting average with 246 home runs, 647 RBI, and 977 Ks in 892 contests. He started playing mainly at first, he has since transitioned to the hot corner.

Global Stage Success

Murakami's clutch hitting were on global view during the last World Baseball Classic. In the penultimate game against Mexico, he delivered a game-ending two-base hit that brought home Shohei Ohtani and Masataka Yoshida for a thrilling 6-5 victory. The following day in the final against the USA, he slugged a tying home run in the second inning, setting the stage for Japan's subsequent championship win.

The power hitter is slated to be unveiled at a press conference on the coming Monday.