White Sox exec exposes biggest concern for Munetaka Murakami

When the Chicago White Sox signed first baseman Munetaka Murakami to a two-year, $34 million contract back in December, many wondered how in the world the hyped Japanese star was forced to settle for such a small contract with a non-contender.

How did none of the top teams across the MLB scoop him up?

Nevertheless, the White Sox nabbed him, and they have been reaping the benefits. Through the first month-and-a-half of the 2026 campaign, Murakami is slashing .237/.369/.565 with 14 home runs and 28 RBI over 160 plate appearances.

Yes, Murakami has a tendency to strike out, and he has hit just one double on the year, but his prodigious power and his ability to draw walks have made him an incredibly valuable hitter. It has also propelled the White Sox into legitimate AL Central contention.

So, why was Murakami so readily available for Chicago?

White Sox GM Chris Getz reveals biggest problem for Munetaka Murakami

White Sox general manager Chris Getz was recently asked about why other ballclubs shied away from Murakami over the winter, and he revealed the biggest concern about the slugger.

“I know that there were concerns with the velocity, and with high-end velocity in this league, if you’ve got a hole, it just seems to get exposed,” Getz said, via ESPN’s Jesse Rogers. “But he didn’t see much of that over there. And just because you haven’t seen it, doesn’t mean you can’t hit it.”

Essentially, teams wondered if Murakami’s mashing in Japan would translate over to the United States. Thus far, it hasn’t been an issue.

Yes, Murakami’s average has dropped nearly 50 points from the .286 he posted with the Yakult Swallows in 2025, but his plate discipline and power has compensated for his overall questionable contact skills.

Batting average is not valued nearly as highly as it was decades ago thanks to the advent of on-base percentage, so as long as Murakami is finding ways to reach base, it doesn’t really matter how he gets there. Obviously, consistently making contact would be nice, but that doesn’t appear to be his game.

One thing is for sure: Murakami is becoming one of the most feared power bats in baseball, and the other 29 teams are surely regretting they didn’t push harder for him when they had the chance.

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