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In a notable move for their rebuilding roster, the South Side team have welcomed slugger Munetaka Murakami, agreeing to a $34 million contract with the accomplished player.

Deal Structure and Incentives

The contract grants a seven-figure signing bonus, payable within 30 days, combined with salaries of $16 million for the next season and $17M for the final year.

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

• A seven-figure bonus for being named the league MVP award.
• $500,000 for finishing in the top three in MVP voting.
• A quarter-million for placing in the top ten.
• Another $250,000 for winning the top rookie honor.

The contract provides that he cannot be assigned to the minors without his approval and grants him a unrestricted player at the termination of the contract. Additional perks include a club-supplied interpreter and flight reimbursement between the U.S. and Japan.

Compensation and Franchise History

As part of the transaction, Chicago is obligated to provide a posting fee of over $6.5 million to the Swallows, Murakami's former team in Japan's NPB. The Swallows are also entitled to a additional payment of any triggered performance bonuses.

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

On-Field Accomplishments

Murakami, a left-handed hitter who will turn 26 soon, bolsters a young group of offensive players in Chicago that includes prospects like Colson Montgomery, Kyle Teel, and Chase Meidroth. The White Sox are finished with a difficult season, placing last in the division but representing a significant improvement from the previous campaign.

A two-time Most Valuable Player honors in '21 and '22, Murakami is renowned for a monumental 2022 season where he hit 56 HRs, eclipsing the all-time record for a NPB hitter previously held by legend Sadaharu Oh. That feat also made him the most youthful hitter ever to achieve Japan's prestigious batting Triple Crown.

His 2023 season was shortened to just 56 appearances due to an oblique injury. Even with fanning often, he still managed .273 with 22 home runs and 47 runs batted in.

Over his career tenure with the Yakult club, Murakami has posted a .270 batting average with 246 HRs, 647 RBIs, and 977 Ks in 892 contests. Initially playing primarily at first base, he has since transitioned to third base.

International Pedigree

Murakami's big-game performance were on global view during the last World Baseball Classic. In the penultimate game against Mexico, he drove in a walk-off double that scored two fellow Japanese stars for a thrilling one-run win. The following day in the title match against the United States, he hit a tying shot in the second inning, setting the stage for Japan's subsequent championship win.

The power hitter is slated to be unveiled at a press conference on Monday.