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In a notable move for their rebuilding roster, the Chicago White Sox have officially added infielder Munetaka Murakami, agreeing to a two-year contract with the high-profile player.

Contract Details and Incentives

The agreement grants a seven-figure signing bonus, to be paid within 30 days, combined with salaries of sixteen million for the upcoming season and $17M for the final year.

Importantly, Murakami's final-year pay can increase based on award achievements in 2026:

• $1 million for winning the Most Valuable Player award.
• Half a million dollars for placing in the top three in MVP voting.
• $250,000 for placing in the top ten.
• $250,000 for winning the top rookie honor.

The contract provides that he cannot be assigned to the minor leagues without his approval and grants him a free agent at the end of the deal. Further benefits include a dedicated interpreter and flight reimbursement between Japan and the U.S..

Posting Fee and Franchise History

As part of the transaction, Chicago owes a transfer fee of over $6.5 million to the Tokyo Yakult Swallows, Murakami's former team in Japan's Central League. The Swallows would also receive a 15% cut of fifteen percent triggered performance bonuses.

Murakami joins the ranks as the fourth Japanese to represent the White Sox, joining pitcher Shingo Takatsu (2004-05), infielder Tadahito Iguchi (2005-07), and outfielder Kosuke Fukudome (2012). Of note, Takatsu was a manager for Murakami back in Japan.

On-Field Accomplishments

Murakami, a lefty bat who turns 26 on February 2nd, bolsters a promising lineup in Chicago that also features prospects like Colson Montgomery, Kyle Teel, and Chase Meidroth. The club are finished with a difficult season, finishing last in the AL Central but showing a 19-game improvement from the year before campaign.

The winner of back-to-back Most Valuable Player honors in 2021 and 2022, Murakami is famous for a record-breaking 2022 season where he launched 56 HRs, breaking the longstanding record for a NPB hitter formerly held by icon Sadaharu Oh. That feat also made him the youngest player ever to secure Japan's prestigious Triple Crown.

His most recent NPB campaign was shortened to just 56 appearances due to an side strain. Despite recording 64 times, he hit .273 with 22 HRs and 47 driven in.

Over his career tenure with the Swallows, Murakami has compiled a .270 lifetime batting average with 246 home runs, 647 runs batted in, and 977 strikeouts in 892 games. Initially playing mainly at first base, he has spent most of his time to third.

International Pedigree

Murakami's big-game performance were on full display during the last World Baseball Classic. In the penultimate game against Mexico, he drove in a game-ending two-base hit that brought home Shohei Ohtani and Masataka Yoshida for a dramatic 6-5 victory. The following day in the final against the USA, he hit a tying home run in the early innings, setting the stage for Japan's 3-2 3-2 victory.

The power hitter is set to be officially presented at a media availability on Monday.