Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Munetaka Murakami

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Munetaka Murakami made an impact.

Munetaka Murakami is a Japanese professional baseball infielder currently playing for the Chicago White Sox of MLB. He previously played for the Tokyo Yakult Swallows in NPB. Known as "Murakami-sama," a nickname meaning "god," which became Japan's word of the year in 2022, he gained popularity for his exceptional batting performance.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2017: Drafted by the Tokyo Yakult Swallows

In 2017, Munetaka Murakami was drafted in the first round of the NPB Draft by the Tokyo Yakult Swallows after they won the lottery. He signed a contract for 80 million yen with a 7.2 million yen annual salary and was assigned jersey number 55.

2019: Breakout Season and Rookie of the Year Award

2019 was Munetaka Murakami's breakout season, earning him the CL Rookie of the Year Award, selection to the Japan national baseball team, and a spot in the All-Star Game and Home Run Derby. He also became the youngest Swallows player to start in the season opening game, and broke the NPB RBI record for high school-drafted players in their second season. He hit 36 home runs, tying the NPB home-run record for second-year rookies, and finished with 96 RBIs.

2020: Olympics Representation

In 2020 (held 2021), Munetaka Murakami represented Japan in the Tokyo Olympics.

2021: Olympic Gold Medal

In 2021, Munetaka Murakami won an Olympic gold medal representing Japan in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

2021: Central League MVP and Japan Series Title

In 2021, Munetaka Murakami won the Central League MVP award. He had 39 home runs and 112 RBIs. He also helped the Tokyo Yakult Swallows capture their first Japan Series title after 20 years by hitting two home runs.

October 3, 2022: Breaks Home Run Record

On October 3, 2022, Munetaka Murakami hit his 56th home run of the season, breaking Sadaharu Oh's record for the most home runs by a Japanese-born player. He also became the youngest player to win the NPB Triple Crown at 22 years, eight months, and one day old at the conclusion of the 2022 regular season.

2022: Signs Three-Year Contract Extension

After the 2022 season, Munetaka Murakami signed a three-year contract extension worth 600 million yen per year.

2023: World Baseball Classic Performance

In 2023, Munetaka Murakami represented Japan in the World Baseball Classic. He hit a walk-off two-run double in the semifinal against Mexico and led off the final against the USA with a home run. Japan won the championship game 3–2.

November 7, 2025: Official Posting to MLB

On November 7, 2025, as per his contract, Murakami was officially posted to Major League Baseball.

November 8, 2025: Negotiating Window Begins

On November 8, 2025, at 8 a.m. ET, a 45-day negotiating window began for Murakami to negotiate with MLB teams.

December 21, 2025: Signs with the Chicago White Sox

On December 21, 2025, Murakami signed a two-year, $34 million contract with the Chicago White Sox of Major League Baseball.

2025: Possible Posting to MLB

Munetaka Murakami's three-year contract extension signed after the 2022 season stipulates that the Swallows must post Murakami to MLB after the 2025 season.