Munetaka Murakami, the Japanese slugger with 17 home runs and an AL-leading total, is making a rapid and profound impact for the Chicago White Sox. The 26-year-old, signed to a two-year, $34 million contract in December after a lighter-than-expected market, has tied for the third-most homers by any player in his first 45 major league games.
Murakami's offensive output is a primary driver behind the White Sox's unexpected competitiveness. Through Sunday's action, the club sits tied for second in the majors with 66 home runs as a team. His 17 homers, combined with 36 walks and 66 strikeouts, make him a classic three-true-outcomes hitter. Manager Will Venable praised his adaptability, noting, "He's had to make a ton of adjustments… this speaks a lot to his character."
Acquired via the posting system, Murakami was a two-time Central League MVP in Japan before an oblique injury limited him to 56 games last year. White Sox General Manager Chris Getz has received congratulatory calls from peers, with one GM saying, "Congratulations, you beat the industry on this one." Murakami, who plays first base, is growing more comfortable in a new environment, calling the U.S. fields "really nice." He went deep twice in his first career multihomer game against the crosstown Cubs last Saturday.