Munetaka Murakami was one of the biggest names in this year’s free agent class, and he will return to the World Baseball Classic in 2026.
Murakami signed a two-year, $34 million deal with the Chicago White Sox, and during his introductory press conference on Monday, he told reporters he will be playing for Samurai Japan once again, per MLB.com’s David Adler. Murakami’s return to the team is huge for Japan.
In the 2023 World Baseball Classic, Murakami delivered a game-ending two-run double in the semifinal game against Mexico, punching Samurai Japan’s ticket to the championship game against the United States. In the championship game, Murakami took Merrill Kelly deep to tie the game in the second inning. Japan went on to win the World Baseball Classic and will be happy to have Murakami back as they attempt to defend their title.
Murakami is one of the best power hitters from Japan. In eight seasons with the Yakult Swallows, he has 246 home runs. He has 86 home runs in Nippon Professional Baseball since the last World Baseball Classic. It’s no surprise the White Sox wanted him on their team in the big leagues.
Murakami’s game does have some flaws. The swing and misses and his tendency to chase at the plate likely kept him from landing a lucrative, long-term deal in Major League Baseball. However, he is only 25 years old and will now get a chance to prove his bat can play at the big league level. He will enter free agency again at 27 and could cash in then.
Rate Field was an above-average ballpark last season in terms of home run hitting for left-handers. Murakami could thrive on the Southside. Unlike playing for Japan in the World Baseball Classic, it could be a low-pressure environment for him to get acclimated to Major League Baseball.
As far as the World Baseball Classic goes, Japan will need all of its stars to produce. The United States has put together a phenomenal roster, highlighted by its best pitching commitments, arguably, ever. The runner-ups from 2023 have landed Paul Skenes and Tarik Skubal for their rotation. They will also have Aaron Judge this time around.
Japan still has Shohei Ohtani, Murakami and Yoshinobu Yamamoto leading the way for them. They could also have Shugo Maki, the 27-year-old star second baseman of the Yokohama DeNA BayStars, back as well. Japan figures to have another great squad, but the competition may be even more fierce in 2026.
Photo: Munetaka Murakami (55) runs the bases after hitting a home run during the second inning of a World Baseball Classic game against U.S., Tuesday, March 21, 2023, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)
