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In a major move for their retooling roster, the Chicago White Sox have welcomed infielder Munetaka Murakami, finalizing a lucrative contract with the power-hitting player.

Deal Structure and Player Perks

The deal includes a $1 million signing bonus, payable within 30 days, alongside compensation of $16 million for the 2026 season and $17 million for the 2027 year.

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

• An additional $1M for winning the MVP award.
• $500,000 for finishing as runner-up or in third place in MVP voting.
• $250,000 for placing in the top ten.
• Another $250,000 for being named the top rookie honor.

The agreement also stipulates that he cannot be sent to the farm system without his permission and makes him a free agent at the end of the deal. Further benefits include a team-provided interpreter and flight reimbursement between the U.S. and Japan.

Transfer Payment and Team Legacy

As part of the acquisition, Chicago owes a transfer fee of $6,575,000 to the Swallows, Murakami's former team in Japan's NPB. The Yakult organization get a supplemental fee of any triggered incentive payments.

Murakami is set to become the fourth Japanese to suit up for the Chicago franchise, in the footsteps of pitcher Shingo Takatsu (2004-05), infielder Tadahito Iguchi (2005-07), and fielder Kosuke Fukudome (2012). Notably, Takatsu previously coached Murakami during their time in Japan.

On-Field Accomplishments

Murakami, a left-side batter who will turn 26 in February, joins a young group of offensive players in Chicago that also features prospects like Colson Montgomery, Kyle Teel, and Chase Meidroth. The team are finished with a difficult season, placing last in the AL Central but representing a 19-game improvement from the year before campaign.

The winner of back-to-back Central League MVP honors in '21 and '22, Murakami is renowned for a monumental 2022 season where he hit 56 HRs, breaking the single-season record for a Japanese-born player previously held by legend Sadaharu Oh. That feat also made him the most youthful hitter ever to achieve Japan's elusive Triple Crown.

His most recent NPB campaign was shortened to 56 games due to an muscle issue. Despite fanning often, he hit .273 with 22 home runs and 47 runs batted in.

Over his eight-year tenure with the Swallows, Murakami has accumulated a .270 lifetime batting average with 246 homers, 647 RBIs, and 977 strikeouts in 892 games. Early in his career playing primarily at first base, he has since transitioned to third base.

WBC Heroics

Murakami's clutch hitting were on center stage during the last World Baseball Classic. In the semi-final against Mexico, he drove in a walk-off two-base hit that brought home teammates for a dramatic 6-5 victory. The following day in the final against the United States, he slugged a tying home run in the early innings, helping Japan's 3-2 title triumph.

The new White Sox addition is slated to be officially presented at a media availability on the coming Monday.