In a significant move for their rebuilding roster, the South Side team have welcomed infielder Munetaka Murakami, agreeing to a $34 million contract bringing in the power-hitting player.
The agreement grants a substantial signing bonus, payable within 30 days, combined with salaries of $16M for the 2026 season and $17 million for the following year.
Additionally, Murakami's 2027 salary is subject to escalators based on accolade achievements in 2026:
The agreement provides that he cannot be sent to the minors without his consent and allows him to become a unrestricted player at the conclusion of the deal. Extra provisions include a team-provided interpreter and airfare between his home country and the States.
As part of the signing, Chicago must pay a transfer fee of roughly $6.58 million to the Yakult Swallows, Murakami's former team in Japan's professional league. The Yakult organization are also entitled to a additional payment of 15% triggered performance bonuses.
Murakami will become the fourth Japanese-born to suit up for the South Siders, in the footsteps of pitcher Shingo Takatsu (2004-05), infielder Tadahito Iguchi (2005-07), and fielder Kosuke Fukudome (2012). Of note, Takatsu once managed Murakami back in Japan.
Murakami, a left-handed hitter who turns 26 on February 2nd, enters a emerging group of offensive players in Chicago that also features prospects like Colson Montgomery, Kyle Teel, and Chase Meidroth. The team are finished with a 60-102 season, finishing last in the American League Central but representing a notable improvement from the previous campaign.
Having earned Central League MVP honors in '21 and '22, Murakami is famous for a monumental 2022 season where he belted 56 HRs, breaking the single-season record for a player in Japan previously held by legend Sadaharu Oh. That performance also made him the youngest player ever to win Japan's prestigious batting Triple Crown.
His most recent NPB campaign was limited to 56 games due to an side strain. Despite recording often, he hit .273 with 22 HRs and 47 runs batted in.
Over his eight-year tenure with the Yakult club, Murakami has posted a .270 batting average with 246 HRs, 647 RBIs, and 977 Ks in nearly 900 games. Initially playing primarily at first base, he has since transitioned to third.
Murakami's clutch hitting were on global view during the last World Baseball Classic. In the penultimate game against Mexico, he hit a victory-sealing two-base hit that drove in teammates for a thrilling 6-5 victory. The following day in the championship game against the Team USA, he blasted a equalizing shot in the early innings, paving the way for Japan's 3-2 title triumph.
The lefty slugger is set to be unveiled at a media availability on Monday.
