"Schwarber or Gallo?" Murakami Dilemma Grips U.S. After Shock

[mydaily = Reporter Kyung hyun Kim] Munetaka Murakami has finally made the leap to Major League Baseball — but on a contract far smaller than many expected, sending shockwaves through the U.S. baseball world.

MLB.com and multiple outlets reported on Dec. 22 (KST) that Murakami signed a two-year, $34 million deal with the Chicago White Sox. The agreement, finalized just before the posting deadline, came in well below earlier projections.

Murakami declared for MLB via the posting system on Nov. 8. Unlike Korea’s 30-day window, the Japan–U.S. posting period lasts 45 days, with the deadline set for 7 a.m. on Dec. 23 (KST). He signed at the wire.

The deal includes no options and guarantees Murakami free agency again after the 2027 season.

Widely regarded as Japan’s premier power hitter, Murakami owns a career NPB line of 843 hits, 246 home runs and a .270 average with a .951 OPS over 892 games. His historic 2022 season — 56 homers, a .381 average and a 1.168 OPS — cemented his status as a generational slugger, earning him MVP honors and the youngest Triple Crown in league history.

The price tag, however, raised eyebrows. The Athletic previously suggested Murakami could command close to $100 million, while MLB Trade Rumors floated a ceiling of eight years, $180 million.

The Athletic noted lingering questions about how Murakami’s bat will translate to MLB pitching, citing his high swing-and-miss rates. Despite playing in a lower-strikeout NPB environment, Murakami’s strikeout rate has hovered near 30% over the past three seasons. Scouts have pointed to a long swing path that could be exploited by elite velocity and sharp breaking balls.

According to FanGraphs, Murakami posted a 63% contact rate against fastballs of 93 mph or higher since 2022, while his contact rate against breaking pitches fell to 51% in 2025.

Ultimately, the question is whether his power will outweigh the swing-and-miss. One scout told The Athletic the range of outcomes spans from Kyle Schwarber to Joey Gallo.

Schwarber crushed 56 home runs this season and has averaged nearly 47 homers since 2022, even while striking out more than 200 times. Gallo, by contrast, embodies extreme boom-or-bust power, carrying a career .194 average and failing to appear in the majors in 2025.

Murakami’s defense and durability also factor into the equation. While capable of playing first or third base, his glove draws mixed reviews, and injuries to his toe, elbow and oblique since 2024 have raised concerns.

Still, the upside is undeniable. The Athletic concluded that despite the risks, Murakami’s youth and elite raw power were enough for the White Sox to pay a premium, betting that his bat can become a league-wide attraction.