Munetaka Murakami Signs with Chicago White Sox: Japanese Power Hitter’s MLB Journey

Japanese baseball star Munetaka Murakami has officially joined Major League Baseball. The Chicago White Sox signed the power hitter to a two-year, $34 million contract on December 21, 2025. This move brings one of Japan’s most formidable sluggers to the American League.

Murakami, a Triple Crown winner in Japan, is renowned for his prodigious home run power. His arrival in Chicago marks a significant moment for a White Sox team seeking to rebuild its offensive identity.

A Legacy Forged in Kumamoto: The Higo Mokkosu Spirit

Munetaka Murakami hails from Kumamoto, a region historically known as Higo. This area is famous for producing individuals of legendary stubbornness and resilience, known as “Higo Mokkosu.” This cultural concept shapes Murakami’s relentless playing style and mental fortitude.

His baseball journey began in high school at Kyushu Gakuin. There, he hit 52 home runs, earning the nickname “the Babe Ruth of Higo.” He was drafted by the Tokyo Yakult Swallows in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball league.

Murakami’s 2022 season was historic. At just 22 years old, he achieved the Triple Crown, leading the league in batting average (.318), RBIs (134), and home runs. His 56 home runs that year broke Sadaharu Oh’s long-standing single-season record for a Japanese-born player.

From National Hero to MLB Prospect

Murakami announced himself on the global stage during the 2023 World Baseball Classic. In a dramatic semifinal against Mexico, he delivered a clutch, game-winning double in the ninth inning. That moment cemented his status as a national hero in Japan and showcased his ability to perform under immense pressure.

According to reports from sources like Reuters, the White Sox see him as a cornerstone power bat. His scouting grade for raw power is considered elite, among the highest in the world. The White Sox are betting on that power translating to the major leagues.

The transition poses challenges. Analysts note his long swing and recent injury history, including an oblique issue that limited him in 2025. The velocity and quality of pitching in MLB will test the “Higo Mokkosu” spirit like never before.

Munetaka Murakami’s journey from Kumamoto to Chicago is a test of legacy and adaptation. The success of this major MLB signing will depend on how his legendary power adjusts to the world’s toughest league.

A quick knowledge drop for you

Who is Munetaka Murakami?

Munetaka Murakami is a professional baseball player from Japan. He is a former Tokyo Yakult Swallows slugger who just signed with the Chicago White Sox. He won the NPB Triple Crown in 2022 after hitting 56 home runs.

What is a “Higo Mokkosu”?

It is a cultural term from the Kumamoto region of Japan. It describes a person of immense stubbornness and unyielding principle. This trait is often attributed to Murakami’s resilient playing style and mentality.

What was Murakami’s contract with the White Sox?

The Chicago White Sox signed Munetaka Murakami to a two-year contract. The deal is worth $34 million. The signing was finalized on December 21, 2025.

Why is Murakami famous in Japan?

He is famous for breaking Sadaharu Oh’s single-season home run record with 56 in 2022. He also won the Triple Crown that same year. His game-winning hit in the 2023 World Baseball Classic made him a national hero.

What are the concerns about his MLB transition?

Scouts have concerns about his long swing mechanics facing higher MLB velocity. His contact rate declined slightly in 2025. A previous oblique injury also raises questions about durability.

Which team did he play for in Japan?

Munetaka Murakami played his entire professional career in Japan for the Tokyo Yakult Swallows. He was a central figure in their lineup from 2018 through the 2025 season before moving to MLB.