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In a notable move for their rebuilding roster, the South Side team have welcomed Japanese star Munetaka Murakami, finalizing a $34 million contract with the power-hitting player.

Deal Structure and Player Perks

The agreement features a seven-figure signing bonus, to be paid within 30 days, in addition to annual pay of $16M for the upcoming season and $17M for the following year.

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

• An additional $1M for earning the Most Valuable Player award.
• Half a million dollars for finishing as runner-up or in third place in MVP voting.
• $250,000 for placing fourth through 10th.
• $250,000 for being named the Rookie of the Year honor.

The contract provides that he will not be optioned to the minor leagues without his approval and grants him a unrestricted player at the end of the deal. Extra provisions include a club-supplied interpreter and flight reimbursement between his home country and the States.

Compensation and Franchise History

As part of the acquisition, Chicago must pay a posting fee of roughly $6.58 million to the Tokyo Yakult Swallows, Murakami's former team in Japan's Central League. The Japanese club would also receive a supplemental fee of any triggered performance bonuses.

Murakami joins the ranks as the fourth player from Japan to play for the Chicago franchise, in the footsteps of pitcher Shingo Takatsu (2004-05), infielder Tadahito Iguchi (2005-07), and outfielder Kosuke Fukudome (2012). Of note, Takatsu previously coached Murakami while both were in Japan.

Career Highlights

Murakami, a left-handed hitter who will turn 26 soon, bolsters a young lineup in Chicago that includes prospects like Colson Montgomery, Kyle Teel, and Chase Meidroth. The club are coming off a last-place season, placing last in the division but representing a 19-game improvement from the previous campaign.

The winner of back-to-back Most Valuable Player honors in '21 and '22, Murakami is famous for a monumental 2022 season where he belted 56 home runs, eclipsing the longstanding record for a NPB hitter previously held by icon Sadaharu Oh. That year also made him the youngest player ever to win Japan's elusive Triple Crown.

His last year was shortened to a partial schedule due to an side strain. Despite fanning 64 times, he hit .273 with 22 homers and 47 RBIs.

Over his eight-year tenure with the Swallows, Murakami has compiled a .270 career batting average with 246 HRs, 647 RBI, and nearly 1,000 strikeouts in 892 games. He started playing mostly at first, he has since transitioned to the hot corner.

Global Stage Success

Murakami's clutch hitting were on center stage during the last World Baseball Classic. In the penultimate game against Mexico, he hit a game-ending double that scored Shohei Ohtani and Masataka Yoshida for a thrilling 6-5 victory. The following day in the championship game against the Team USA, he slugged a equalizing home run in the second inning, helping Japan's subsequent title triumph.

The power hitter is scheduled to be unveiled at a introductory event on Monday.