Munetaka Murakami historic 2 game effort is 1 bright spot for White Sox

Slugger Munetaka Murakami was the marquee signing for the Chicago White Sox this offseason, agreeing to a two-year, $34 million deal after establishing himself as one of Japan’s most prolific home run hitters. Through his first two Major League Baseball games, that power has carried over as he’s recorded one hit in each contest, and both have been home runs.

Having hit home runs in back-to-back contests to begin the 2026 season, Murakami has found himself in the White Sox history books as the only player ever with that accomplishment. He also joined Kenji Johjima as the second Japanese born and former NPB player to hit homers in each of their first two MLB games.

Munetaka Murakami is the second Japanese-born former NPB player to homer in each of his first two MLB games, joining Kenji Johjima

He’s. also the first player in White Sox history to homer in each of his first two career games https://t.co/X9WHyKYeGU

— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) March 29, 2026

Munetaka Murakami is poised for a big year with the Chicago White Sox

Before arriving in MLB, Murakami spent eight seasons in NPB, launching 246 home runs. His peak came in 2022, when he blasted 56, and he topped the 30-homer mark in five of those eight seasons.

He won’t homer in every game this year, but already having two in March is an encouraging sign. It’s not unrealistic to expect him to finish among the league’s top power hitters this season.

In the long run, if this opening stretch is any indication, Murakami could quickly become a cornerstone for the Chicago White Sox lineup. His power has already translated against Major League Baseball pitching, offering a glimpse of the impact he can make over a full season. While consistency and adjustments will ultimately define his success, the early returns suggest he is more than capable of living up to expectations.