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In a notable move for their overhauling roster, the American League club have signed infielder Munetaka Murakami, finalizing a $34 million contract bringing in the accomplished player.

Deal Structure and Added Benefits

The agreement grants a $1 million signing bonus, issued within 30 days, combined with compensation of sixteen million for the upcoming season and $17M for the following year.

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

• $1 million for being named the MVP award.
• $500K for finishing in the top three in MVP voting.
• $250,000 for ranking fourth through 10th.
• An identical bonus for earning the ROY honor.

The agreement includes that he cannot be sent to the minors without his approval and allows him to become a unrestricted player at the conclusion of the term. Extra provisions include a team-provided interpreter and flight reimbursement between the U.S. and Japan.

Transfer Payment and Franchise History

As part of the transaction, Chicago is obligated to provide a posting fee of over $6.5 million to the Yakult Swallows, Murakami's previous team in Japan's professional league. The Swallows are also entitled to a 15% cut of fifteen percent triggered salary escalators.

Murakami will become the fourth Japanese-born to represent the Chicago franchise, following pitcher Shingo Takatsu (2004-05), infielder Tadahito Iguchi (2005-07), and fielder Kosuke Fukudome (2012). Of note, Takatsu previously coached Murakami while both were in Japan.

Career Highlights

Murakami, a lefty bat who turns 26 in February, joins a young core of hitters in Chicago that contains prospects like Colson Montgomery, Kyle Teel, and Chase Meidroth. The club are finished with a last-place season, finishing last in the American League Central but showing a 19-game improvement from the year before campaign.

A two-time league MVP honors in 2021 and 2022, Murakami is renowned for a historic 2022 season where he hit 56 homers, breaking the single-season record for a player in Japan previously held by icon Sadaharu Oh. That performance also made him the youngest player ever to secure Japan's coveted Triple Crown.

His last year was limited to a partial schedule due to an oblique injury. Even with striking out 64 Ks, he hit .273 with 22 home runs and 47 runs batted in.

Over his career tenure with the Swallows, Murakami has accumulated a .270 career batting average with 246 home runs, 647 runs batted in, and nearly 1,000 strikeouts in nearly 900 games. Early in his career playing mainly at first base, he has since transitioned to the hot corner.

International Pedigree

Murakami's big-game performance were on center stage during the 2023 WBC. In the semi-final against Mexico, he drove in a walk-off two-base hit that scored teammates for a come-from-behind 6-5 win. The very next day in the title match against the USA, he blasted a equalizing home run in the early innings, paving the way for Japan's 3-2 championship win.

The new White Sox addition is slated to be unveiled at a media availability on Monday.