History of Munetaka Murakami in Timeline

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

1958: Seikichi Nishioka's Record

In 1958, Seikichi Nishioka set a record as the youngest Swallows player to start in the season opening game at 21 years old.

1977: Sadaharu Oh wins MVP

In 1977, Sadaharu Oh won the Central League MVP in a unanimous vote.

1986: Randy Bass wins Triple Crown

In 1986, Randy Bass of the Hanshin Tigers won the Triple Crown.

February 2, 2000: Munetaka Murakami's Birth

On February 2, 2000, Munetaka Murakami was born. He is now a Japanese professional baseball infielder.

2004: Nobuhiko Matsunaka wins Triple Crown

In 2004, Nobuhiko Matsunaka of the Fukuoka Daiei Hawks won the NPB Triple Crown.

2011: Tetsuto Yamada's Accomplishment

In June 2011, Tetsuto Yamada, a Swallows rookie, achieved League MVP of the month by batting .315 and driving in 14 runs.

2013: Masahiro Tanaka wins MVP

In 2013, Masahiro Tanaka won the Central League MVP in a unanimous vote.

2015: Koshien National Tournament Appearance

In 2015, Munetaka Murakami's team, Kyushū Gakuin Integrated High School, made it to the Koshien national tournaments but were defeated in the first round.

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.

2022: Word of the Year

In 2022, Munetaka Murakami's nickname "Murakami-sama" was selected as Japan's word of the year.

2022: High Batting Average

In 2022, Murakami had a batting average of .318.

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.

2023: Decreased Batting Average

In 2023, Murakami's batting average decreased to .256. His strikeout rate also increased to 28%.

2024: Further Decrease in Batting Average

In 2024, Murakami's batting average went down to .244, and his strikeout rate further increased to 30%.

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: Oblique Injury and Return to Play

In 2025, Murakami suffered an oblique injury during spring training. He returned to the Swallows on April 17 but re-aggravated the injury. He returned again on July 29 and played 65 games, slashing .273/.379/.663 with 22 home runs and 47 RBIs.

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.