Chicago White Sox: the rest of MLB was wrong about Munetaka Murakami
The Chicago White Sox are 7-13, tied for the worst record in Major League Baseball. This, of course, is nothing new for White Sox fans, who have had to endure three straight seasons of 100+ losses. Indeed, 2026 projects to be yet another long year for the Chicago faithful, who are waiting for the day that the South Side squad returns to playing competitive baseball.
Fortunately for them, White Sox first baseman Munetaka Murakami has been everything they hoped he would be, and perhaps even more. What is more, his early season success at the plate has, so far, shown that the organization hit a home run where the rest of Major League Baseball struck out.
It’s time to buy in to Chicago White Sox star Munetaka Murakami
When Murakami first announced his decision to transition from professional baseball in Japan to MLB, the initial thought was that he was going to be highly coveted by many teams. However, due to his high strikeout totals, his market never developed. Sure, he consistently hit between 30 and 50 home runs a year, but he also struck out at an alarming rate. Teams, it appeared, did not want to risk spending tens of millions of dollars on a player like that.
The concern was that his power would not translate to MLB. As a result, the White Sox were able to sign him to a two-year $34 million contract. Through 22 games, he has given them plenty of hope that they were right to do so.
So far this season, Murakami is hitting .208/.376/.542 with eight home runs and 16 RBI. He has struck out a lot (31 times), but has also drawn walks at a high rate (20).
Bleacher Report argues that the rest of MLB was wrong to back away from courting the Japanese star when they had the chance:
“Concerns about his ability to hit velocity and limited defensive flexibility led to Munetaka Murakami’s market cratering this past offseason.
“Initially expected to get well over $100 million as he came over from Japan to the United States, Murakami had to settle for a two-year, $34 million contract with the Chicago White Sox.
“As it turns out, Murakami’s power has translated from Nippon Professional Baseball, Japan’s top league. He homered in all three games against the Athletics this past weekend, and his eight homers on the season trail only Yordan Alvarez and Aaron Judge.
“Murakami has mostly played first base, and has been serviceable there. Frankly, whether it’s first base, DH or some combination, teams will put up with limited defensive flexibility if you have 40-homer potential, which Murakami looks like he does.”
With how badly the White Sox have been struggling for so long, there will undoubtedly be trade suggestions and speculation. These will encourage Chicago to trade Murakami to a team like the Los Angeles Dodgers for more prospects with which to continue their rebuild.
But the fact of the matter is that if the White Sox are going to compete in the near future, they need to retain star players too. At this point, Murakami may fetch them their biggest haul in a trade, but also is their best chance to have a cornerstone power-hitter on whom to build around.
Instead of trading him, as many will suggest, the White Sox should instead extend him.
More Chicago White Sox news from ChiCity Sports
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- The White Sox have reached a new embarrassing low
- White Sox call up #9 prospect amid Rays series
For More Chicago Sports
Follow me on Twitter at @theotherRobin19, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Robin Adams via email at robadams14@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago sports, click here! Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks
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Source: https://www.chicitysports.com/chicago-white-sox-the-rest-of-mlb-was-wrong-about-munetaka-murakami/
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