MLB Network and other sports media companies that focus on baseball were confident of many things heading into 2026. One of the things they were most confident in, though, was that the Chicago White Sox would not be very good this season. After all, Chicago lost 100+ games in each of the past three years, including a Major League record 121 losses in 2024.
As it stands now, though, the White Sox are 34-31 and one of just five American League teams with a winning record. They are two games out of first place in their division, but appear poised to make the postseason with at least a Wild Card berth.
And MLB Network analysts believe one player is responsible for this turnaround: Munetaka Murakami.
MLB Network analysts argue Munetaka Murakami changed the mindset of the Chicago White Sox
When Murakami first announced his intention to come play Major League Baseball after several successful seasons playing professionally in Japan, many thought he would get a $100 million contract from a team. However, his high strikeout totals scared most MLB teams away. As a result, the White Sox were able to sign the slugger to a two-year $34 million contract.
Through 57 games played, Murakami is hitting .240/.378/.560 with 20 home runs and 41 RBI.
While their rookie first baseman is currently on the injured list with a hamstring strain, MLB Network believes that the presence of Murakami has changed the mindset in Chicago.
“.240, 20 bombs, a .940 OPS, but’s bigger than that,” MLB Network analysts Mark DeRosa said. “This dude changed their thoughts. He showed up this Spring and they’re like, ‘Oh my God, we have a superstar! We have a guy whose balls don’t want to land. So if we do what we’re capable of doing, and we let him get his 40 bombs, we have something!’
“I think that he just expedited their thought process in everything.”
This may just read as typical lip service, but there is really something to be said about how Murakami has changed the mindset in Chicago.
As mentioned, he is currently on the injured list with a hamstring strain, and will be out for about another month. Since he got hurt, though, the White Sox have been holding serve. In nine games without him, they are 4-5, hovering right around .500 and treading water in the American League.
If they can continue to do that until Murakami comes back, the White Sox will continue to be one of the most surprising teams in baseball.
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