Here’s the latest I can confirm from public reporting up to late 2025:
- Murakami signed with the Chicago White Sox on a two-year contract worth $34 million, with the deal announced around December 2025. This short-term pact sends him to MLB as a candidate for a power-heavy infield presence, though teams cited concerns about contact rates and overall adjustment to major league pitching.[2][4][5]
- The signing represented a relatively modest guardrail for Murakami’s post-NPB path, given expectations for a larger, longer-term deal in the high-nine-figure range, and the market ultimately produced a shorter commitment than some projections had suggested.[5][7]
- Key context: Murakami had been widely regarded as the top power hitter in Japan, with standout seasons and a historic home-run total, but scouts pointed to strikeout risk and adjustment questions when transitioning to MLB, which influenced contract length and value.[3][7][5]
If you want, I can pull more recent updates or confirm the contract details with exact terms and dates from the White Sox announcement and major outlets. Would you like me to do that?
Sources
Murakami was the top power hitter in Japan, despite strikeout problems
www.cbssports.comFans are starting to ask the question.
www.sportingnews.comMurakami, 25, holds the single-season NPB home run record for a Japanese-born player
www.cbssports.comThe Chicago White Sox are adding some considerable power to their lineup. Baseball insider Jeff Passan at ESPN reported earlier today that Japanese infielder Munetaka Murakami and the White Sox have agreed on a two-year deal worth $34 million.
www.yardbarker.comMunetaka Murakami's move to Major League Baseball is one step closer to becoming a reality, with the Yakult Swallows set to post their star third baseman.
bleacherreport.comCHICAGO -- It takes a deal of great significance to carve out Windy City headline space next to a walk-off Bears win over the Packers. But the White Sox accomplished that feat Sunday, agreeing to terms on a two-year, $34 million deal with Japanese free agent Munetaka Murakami, the club
www.mlb.comThe Seattle Mariners acquired their starting third baseman for the rest of the season after they traded for Eugenio Suarez from the Arizona Diamondbacks on July
www.si.comCHICAGO -- It takes a deal of great significance to carve out Windy City headline space next to a walk-off Bears win over the Packers. But the White Sox accomplished that feat Sunday, agreeing to terms on a two-year, $34 million deal with Japanese free agent Munetaka Murakami, the club
www.mlb.com