Tokyo 2020 gold medallist Munetaka Murakami lands two-year deal with MLB's Chicago White Sox

Tokyo 2020 gold medallist and World Baseball Classic winner Munetaka Murakami signed a two-year contract worth US$34 million with the Chicago White Sox of Major League Baseball.

"White Sox Nation, you are in my heart," commented Murakami during his introductory press conference. He then switched to Japanese to add, through an interpreter, "Since I started playing baseball, until this very day, I have been supported by many people. I believe I am the person and the ballplayer I am due to their love and support. I am deeply grateful to everybody who has been involved in my journey, and above all, I want to thank my parents."

Murakami added, "By putting this uniform on, I feel I finally reached the start line. I'm incredibly honoured and excited to be able to play in front of these incredible fans. I would like to thank everyone in the White Sox organisation for believing in me and providing me with the opportunity. My goal is to win, continuously grow and continuously challenge myself. I will contribute to this club to the best of my ability. I hope to express on the field how great the game of baseball is."

He had also thoughts for his Japanese fans. "Although we will be far apart, I believe you always will be by my side and you will always have a place in my heart."

Murakami then went back to English to say, thumbs up, "now let's get to work."

Born in 2000, a left-handed hitter, Murakami starred since High School, earning the nickname The Babe Ruth of Higo.

The Tokyo Yakult Swallows drafted him in 2017, and Murakami made his NPB debut in 2018.

After helping Japan to the Tokyo 2020 Gold Medal, Murakami led the Swallows to the 2021 Japan Series title and earned the Central League MVP honours. He repeated as Central League MVP in 2022 and also surpassed Sadaharu Oh's single-season home run record with 56, on the way to a Triple Crown. In 2022, his nickname Murakami-sama (in Japanese, a kami-sama is a deity) was Japan's word of the year.

In 2024, Murakami became the youngest player to reach the NPB 200 home run milestone.

Murakami has always gone double digits in home runs during his eight-year NPB career, combining 246 home runs and 647 RBIs in 892 games. His main defensive position (696) has been third base. He also played at first base and in the outfield.