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In a significant move for their retooling roster, the American League club have signed slugger Munetaka Murakami, agreeing to a two-year contract with the power-hitting player.

Contract Details and Incentives

The contract features a seven-figure signing bonus, payable within 30 days, in addition to compensation of $16 million for the next season and $17 million for the final year.

Additionally, Murakami's compensation is subject to escalators based on performance achievements in 2026:

• $1 million for earning the MVP award.
• $500K for finishing second or third in MVP voting.
• A quarter-million for ranking in the top ten.
• Another $250,000 for being named the Rookie of the Year honor.

His deal provides that he cannot be sent to the minor leagues without his approval and makes him a free agent at the conclusion of the deal. Additional perks include a club-supplied interpreter and travel costs between Japan and the U.S..

Compensation and Historical Context

As part of the transaction, Chicago is obligated to provide a transfer fee of roughly $6.58 million to the Tokyo Yakult Swallows, Murakami's previous team in Japan's NPB. The Yakult organization are also entitled to a additional payment of fifteen percent triggered salary escalators.

Murakami joins the ranks as the fourth-ever Japanese-born to play for the White Sox, in the footsteps of reliever Shingo Takatsu (2004-05), second baseman Tadahito Iguchi (2005-07), and fielder Kosuke Fukudome (2012). Notably, Takatsu was a manager for Murakami during their time in Japan.

Career Highlights

Murakami, a left-handed hitter who will turn 26 in February, enters a emerging lineup in Chicago that includes prospects like Colson Montgomery, Kyle Teel, and Chase Meidroth. The White Sox are finished with a difficult season, finishing at the bottom in the American League Central but showing a significant improvement from the previous campaign.

Having earned Most Valuable Player honors in 2021 and 2022, Murakami is renowned for a historic 2022 season where he belted 56 home runs, surpassing the single-season record for a player in Japan formerly held by legend Sadaharu Oh. That year also made him the youngest player ever to secure Japan's coveted batting Triple Crown.

His 2023 season was shortened to a partial schedule due to an oblique injury. Despite striking out often, he still managed .273 with 22 HRs and 47 RBIs.

Over his eight-season tenure with the Swallows, Murakami has accumulated a .270 batting average with 246 home runs, 647 RBI, and 977 Ks in 892 contests. Initially playing mainly at first base, he has spent most of his time to the hot corner.

International Pedigree

Murakami's heroics were on full display during the 2023 World Baseball Classic. In the semi-final against Mexico, he hit a game-ending double that brought home Shohei Ohtani and Masataka Yoshida for a come-from-behind 6-5 win. The next night in the title match against the United States, he slugged a equalizing shot in the second inning, helping Japan's eventual championship win.

The power hitter is slated to be unveiled at a media availability on Monday.