This Chicago White Sox newcomer is one of the top hitters to watch in spring training

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Vincent Pensabene | Last updated Feb 15, 2026 4:38 PM ET

The Chicago White Sox have an intriguing roster as they get prepared for spring training games. With the roster looking to take a next step with a lot of new faces, there are some interesting hitters that the league will be keeping an eye on to see how they look. There are some new faces with the White Sox, so let’s take a look at one that was highlighted heading into Camelback Ranch-Glendale.

Munetaka Murakami is one of the top hitters to keep an eye on during spring training

Dec 22, 2025; Chicago, Il, USA; New Chicago White Sox player Munetaka Murakami, right, dons his hat with General Manager Chris Getz, left, during a press conference where he was introduced at Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images

MLB’s Jared Greenspan highlighted the 15 hitters to watch during spring training, and one of the players he mentions is White Sox first baseman Munetaka Murakami. Below is what Greenspan wrote about why people should be ready to see him in the batter’s box:

“There may not be a more intriguing hitter to watch this spring than Murakami. The 25-year-old Japanese slugger arrives stateside with a reputation of prodigious power and the ability to hit the ball exceptionally hard. Yet a propensity for swing-and-miss and high strikeout totals made his free-agent case rather polarizing. How well will Murakami handle Major League pitching? We’ll get our first glimpse shortly, and you’ll want to catch him before he leaves camp to play for Team Japan in the World Baseball Classic.”

Murakami is a power-hitting infielder who has posted a .951 OPS in his eight seasons in NPB. He is transitioning to becoming a first baseman this season with the White Sox, and will be gone potentially for a few weeks during spring training due to the World Baseball Classic. It is going to be intriguing to see how he progresses with Chicago after signing a two-year, $34 million contract this offseason.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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