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In a major move for their overhauling roster, the South Side team have officially added Japanese star Munetaka Murakami, agreeing to a lucrative contract bringing in the power-hitting player.

Deal Structure and Player Perks

The contract includes a $1 million signing bonus, issued within 30 days, combined with compensation of $16M for the upcoming season and $17 million for the following year.

Importantly, Murakami's final-year pay is subject to escalators based on accolade achievements in 2026:

• $1 million for being named the MVP award.
• Half a million dollars for finishing second or third in MVP voting.
• A quarter-million for placing fourth through 10th.
• An identical bonus for earning the ROY honor.

The agreement provides that he cannot be sent to the farm system without his permission and grants him a unrestricted player at the conclusion of the term. Extra provisions include a dedicated interpreter and flight reimbursement between his home country and the States.

Compensation and Team Legacy

As part of the acquisition, Chicago must pay a compensation payment of $6,575,000 to the Yakult Swallows, Murakami's longtime team in Japan's professional league. The Yakult organization are also entitled to a supplemental fee of 15% triggered performance bonuses.

Murakami will become the fourth player from Japan to represent the Chicago franchise, following pitcher Shingo Takatsu (2004-05), second baseman Tadahito Iguchi (2005-07), and fielder Kosuke Fukudome (2012). Interestingly, Takatsu previously coached Murakami back in Japan.

Career Highlights

Murakami, a lefty bat who turns 26 in February, bolsters a emerging core of hitters in Chicago that also features prospects like Colson Montgomery, Kyle Teel, and Chase Meidroth. The team are finished with a last-place season, placing at the bottom in the American League Central but representing a notable improvement from the previous campaign.

Having earned league MVP honors in '21 and '22, Murakami is famous for a record-breaking 2022 season where he hit 56 home runs, eclipsing the single-season record for a NPB hitter previously held by legend Sadaharu Oh. That year also made him the most youthful hitter ever to secure Japan's elusive batting Triple Crown.

His last year was shortened to 56 games due to an muscle issue. Despite fanning 64 times, he batted .273 with 22 HRs and 47 RBIs.

Over his career tenure with the Yakult club, Murakami has accumulated a .270 batting average with 246 homers, 647 runs batted in, and 977 Ks in nearly 900 games. He started playing primarily at first, he has since transitioned to the hot corner.

International Pedigree

Murakami's big-game performance were on center stage during the last World Baseball Classic. In the semi-final against Mexico, he hit a game-ending two-base hit that brought home teammates for a dramatic 6-5 win. The following day in the final against the USA, he blasted a equalizing homer in the second inning, paving the way for Japan's subsequent 3-2 victory.

The lefty slugger is set to be formally introduced at a introductory event on the coming Monday.