Munetaka Murakami
25-Year-Old
2025 Stats
AVG
.000
HR
0
RBI
0
R
0
SB
0
2026 Projections
2026 Fantasy Outlook
If Murakami had been able to come to MLB after his age-22 season back in 2022, the story would be different. That year, he hit 56 homers while slashing .318/.458/.710, winning a Triple Crown and an MVP award. He also struck out 20.9% of the time, slightly worse than the NPB average but a very tolerable mark. Since then, he's struck out at least 28% of the time for three straight seasons and has topped out at a more modest 33 homers. He's also dealt with multiple injuries, limiting him to 56 games last year. Additionally, while he's primarily played third base in Japan, he fits best at first base or DH. It all adds up to one of the widest range of possible outcomes for any player in baseball next season. If he's able to make a passable amount of contact, the power upside could be up there with the best hitters in the league. But given his big struggles with whiffs against NPB pitching, there's every chance he fails to make enough contact to earn everyday at-bats. Read Past Outlooks
Signed a two-year, $34 million contract with the White Sox in December of 2025.
Inks deal with White Sox
Murakami agreed to a two-year, $34 million contract with the White Sox on Sunday, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.
Analysis
The 25-year-old's 45-day negotiating window was coming to an end Monday, but he was able to land a multi-year deal with Chicago shortly before the deadline. Murakami posted a .945 OPS and averaged 33 homers across eight seasons in Nippon Professional Baseball, so he'll bring some much-needed power to the White Sox lineup. However, he had a 28.5 percent strikeout rate over the past three years in Japan, so the swing-and-miss in his stroke is a concern as he adjusts to major-league pitching. According to Passan, Murakami is expected to play first base for Chicago after seeing most of his action at the hot corner in NPB.
The 25-year-old's 45-day negotiating window was coming to an end Monday, but he was able to land a multi-year deal with Chicago shortly before the deadline. Murakami posted a .945 OPS and averaged 33 homers across eight seasons in Nippon Professional Baseball, so he'll bring some much-needed power to the White Sox lineup. However, he had a 28.5 percent strikeout rate over the past three years in Japan, so the swing-and-miss in his stroke is a concern as he adjusts to major-league pitching. According to Passan, Murakami is expected to play first base for Chicago after seeing most of his action at the hot corner in NPB.
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More Fantasy News
Officially posted for MLB teams
The Yakult Swallows of Nippon Professional Baseball posted Murakami for major-league teams Friday, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.
Analysis
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Expected to be posted this winter
Murakami is expected to be posted for major-league teams by the Yakult Swallows of Nippon Professional Baseball this offseason, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports.
Analysis
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Planning to go to MLB in 2026
Murakami plans to play in the major leagues in 2026, Yakyu Cosmopolitan reports.
Analysis
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Signs with MLB agent Close
Murakami signed with MLB agent Casey Close on Saturday, per the Yakyu Cosmopolitan.
Analysis
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Latest Fantasy Rumors
Fielded longer offers
Murakami turned down longer contract offers with a lower average annual value before agreeing to a two-year, $34 million contract with the White Sox, reports Mark Feinsand of MLB.com.
Analysis
The swing-and-miss in Murakami's stroke -- he posted a 28.5 percent strikeout rate across the past three seasons in Japan -- made MLB teams hesitant to make a stronger financial commitment long term, so the 25-year-old will now get a two-year look in Chicago before returning to free agency. He averaged 33 home runs during his eight years in Nippon Professional Baseball and should slot into the middle of a White Sox lineup that desperately needs some pop.
The swing-and-miss in Murakami's stroke -- he posted a 28.5 percent strikeout rate across the past three seasons in Japan -- made MLB teams hesitant to make a stronger financial commitment long term, so the 25-year-old will now get a two-year look in Chicago before returning to free agency. He averaged 33 home runs during his eight years in Nippon Professional Baseball and should slot into the middle of a White Sox lineup that desperately needs some pop.