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In a notable move for their retooling roster, the South Side team have signed infielder Munetaka Murakami, agreeing to a $34 million contract for the accomplished player.

Contract Details and Added Benefits

The deal features a substantial signing bonus, payable within 30 days, in addition to compensation of $16 million for the upcoming season and $17M for the final year.

Additionally, Murakami's 2027 salary may grow based on award achievements in 2026:

• An additional $1M for winning the MVP award.
• Half a million dollars for finishing second or third in MVP voting.
• A quarter-million for ranking fourth through 10th.
• Another $250,000 for earning the top rookie honor.

The agreement includes that he cannot be assigned to the minor leagues without his consent and allows him to become a free agent at the termination of the contract. Additional perks include a team-provided interpreter and airfare between Japan and the U.S..

Posting Fee and Team Legacy

As part of the signing, Chicago must pay a transfer fee of roughly $6.58 million to the Yakult Swallows, Murakami's former team in Japan's professional league. The Yakult organization get a supplemental fee of any triggered salary escalators.

Murakami is set to 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). Of note, Takatsu was a manager for Murakami back in Japan.

On-Field Accomplishments

Murakami, a left-handed hitter who will turn 26 soon, joins a promising lineup in Chicago that also features prospects like Colson Montgomery, Kyle Teel, and Chase Meidroth. The club are coming off a difficult season, placing last in the AL Central but showing a notable improvement from the previous campaign.

Having earned league MVP honors in 2021 and 2022, Murakami is famous for a record-breaking 2022 season where he launched 56 homers, eclipsing the single-season record for a Japanese-born player formerly held by legend Sadaharu Oh. That year also made him the most youthful hitter ever to secure Japan's prestigious batting Triple Crown.

His last year was shortened to 56 games due to an oblique injury. Despite striking out 64 times, he hit .273 with 22 home runs and 47 RBIs.

Over his career tenure with the Yakult club, Murakami has compiled a .270 career batting average with 246 home runs, 647 RBIs, and 977 Ks in 892 contests. Early in his career playing mainly at first base, he has spent most of his time to third base.

International Pedigree

Murakami's big-game performance were on center stage during the last World Baseball Classic. In the penultimate game against Mexico, he hit a victory-sealing double that drove in teammates for a thrilling 6-5 win. The next night in the final against the USA, he hit a game-tying home run in the early innings, setting the stage for Japan's subsequent title triumph.

The power hitter is set to be formally introduced at a media availability on the coming Monday.