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In a major move for their overhauling roster, the Chicago White Sox have welcomed Japanese star Munetaka Murakami, completing a two-year contract bringing in the power-hitting player.

Financial Terms and Player Perks

The deal grants a seven-figure signing bonus, issued within 30 days, in addition to annual pay of $16M for the next season and $17 million for the final year.

Additionally, Murakami's 2027 salary can increase based on award achievements in 2026:

• $1 million for being named the league MVP award.
• $500K for placing in the top three in MVP voting.
• A quarter-million for placing between fourth and tenth.
• Another $250,000 for earning the top rookie honor.

His deal also stipulates that he will not be optioned to the minors without his consent and allows him to become a unrestricted player at the termination of the deal. Further benefits include a dedicated interpreter and flight reimbursement between the U.S. and Japan.

Compensation and Team Legacy

As part of the transaction, Chicago owes a transfer fee of over $6.5 million to the Tokyo Yakult Swallows, Murakami's previous team in Japan's NPB. The Japanese club are also entitled to a supplemental fee of 15% triggered salary escalators.

Murakami joins the ranks as the fourth player from Japan to represent the South Siders, joining reliever Shingo Takatsu (2004-05), second baseman Tadahito Iguchi (2005-07), and fielder Kosuke Fukudome (2012). Interestingly, Takatsu previously coached Murakami back in Japan.

Player Profile

Murakami, a left-side batter who will turn 26 in February, joins 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 60-102 season, placing at the bottom in the AL Central but showing a notable improvement from the prior campaign.

Having earned Most Valuable Player honors in '21 and '22, Murakami made history with a historic 2022 season where he launched 56 home runs, surpassing the longstanding record for a NPB hitter formerly held by icon Sadaharu Oh. That year also made him the youngest player ever to achieve Japan's prestigious Triple Crown.

His most recent NPB campaign was limited to just 56 appearances due to an muscle issue. Even with fanning often, he still managed .273 with 22 homers and 47 runs batted in.

Over his career tenure with the Yakult club, Murakami has compiled a .270 lifetime batting average with 246 home runs, 647 RBI, and 977 strikeouts in nearly 900 games. He started playing mostly at first, he has more recently played to the hot corner.

International Pedigree

Murakami's clutch hitting were on center stage during the 2023 World Baseball Classic. In the penultimate game against Mexico, he hit a game-ending two-base hit that brought home teammates for a thrilling 6-5 victory. The next night in the championship game against the Team USA, he slugged a equalizing homer in the second inning, paving the way for Japan's 3-2 championship win.

The power hitter is slated to be officially presented at a introductory event on the coming Monday.