White Sox Star Murakami Bonds With Teammates in Spring Camp

When Munetaka Murakami spotted his clubhouse nameplate reading "Munetaki" instead of "Munetaka," he didn't complain. He laughed, snapped a photo for Instagram, and called it "crazy funny."

That reaction tells you everything about the 26-year-old slugger's first week with the Chicago White Sox. The Japanese free agent signed a two-year, $34 million deal and immediately started making friends.

Teammate Chase Meidroth has been studying Japanese, showing up to practice using the phrase "Mōhitotsu," which means "one more." Murakami noticed and praised his effort in front of 40 media members at Camelback Ranch. The communication happens through gestures, short words, and genuine warmth.

"I was very nervous at first but teammates, the locker room staff, even the coaches, everyone's really nice and welcoming," Murakami said through interpreter Kenzo Yagi. "So I'm getting used to it now and happy to be here."

Manager Will Venable plans to bat the left-handed power hitter in the middle of the order and play him primarily at first base. Murakami will also see time at third base, a position he played for the Yakult Swallows in Japan.

Shortstop Colson Montgomery raved about his new teammate's baseball IQ. "He's got the juice, and he is really smart," Montgomery said. "He has really good understanding of his swing and his process. He wants to win. You bring another guy in like that who really wants to win, it's contagious."

Why This Inspires

Baseball can feel like a business, but Murakami's arrival shows sports at their best. He's navigating jet lag, language barriers, and the pressure of being a high-profile signing. Yet he's focused on building relationships and lifting up everyone around him.

His sense of humor shines through in unexpected ways. When reporters asked about the new bidets he suggested for the team's stadium, he didn't just talk about comfort. He highlighted how they're better for the environment.

Assistant GM Josh Barfield captured the mood perfectly. "He's laughing and joking, very outgoing guy," Barfield said. "His English is really solid, too. He's special."

Murakami leaves for the World Baseball Classic on February 27 before his regular season debut in Milwaukee on March 26. He's clear about his goals: win games and connect with fans so they know him as a person, not just a player.