Munetaka Murakami Ties Historic MLB Rookie Record
By James Moreau | 24 Apr, 2026

Skeptics have gone quiet as the former NPB standout proves his power translates perfectly to major-league velocity.

Munetaka Murakami is officially silencing the skeptics.  On Wednesday, the Chicago White Sox third baseman tied a historic MLB rookie record by homering in his fifth consecutive game.  This dominant power surge has effectively shut down critics who questioned his ability to handle major-league velocity.

Following this explosive streak, Murakami’s odds to win AL Rookie of the Year have quintupled since Opening Day.  He now boasts 10 home runs for the season – the second-best mark in the league – alongside a 1.026 OPS, ranking third overall.

The White Sox seem to have secured the steal of the offseason; signing the four-time NPB All-Star to a $34 million, two-year deal now looks like pure genius, given the dominant showing.