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How Munetaka Murakami is actually better than expected for White Sox
TL;DR
Munetaka Murakami has exceeded expectations for the Chicago White Sox after signing a $34 million contract. His impressive performance in the first 21 games indicates he may be more versatile than initially projected.
Key points
- Munetaka Murakami signed a $34 million contract with the White Sox.
- His early-season performance has been impressive.
- He is exceeding expectations as a versatile hitter.
Munetaka MurakamiChicago White Sox
How Munetaka Murakami is actually better than expected for White Sox originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Chicago White Sox made a mildly surprising addition this past offseason when they went out and signed Japanese superstar slugger Munetaka Murakami to a $34 million contract.
It was a deal less than what many expected Murakami could get, and it is also paying off dividends already this season. Through just the first 21 games of the year, Murakami is hitting at an incredible rate.
His early-season success has MLB.com's Scott Merkin believing Murakami is better than expected. The reason is clear: he's looking like more than just the three-true-outcome hitter many projected he'd be in the Majors.
Munetaka Murakami is better than expected
"White Sox: Munetaka Murakami is as expected. Actually, he's better," Merkin writes. "...He has started more as a three-true-outcomes sort of player: home runs, walks, and strikeouts. But there's so much more there for the focused, hard-working talent, as evidenced by his 431-foot grand slam against the Athletics on Friday."
It's early in his big league career, just 21 games, but the slugger looks to be a whole lot more impactful than someone who will walk, strikeout, and hit homers.
Three-true-outcome hitters are valuable in the Major Leagues, as someone like Kyle Schwarber just signed a $150 million five-year deal this offseason with the Philadelphia Phillies.
Q&A
What contract did Munetaka Murakami sign with the Chicago White Sox?
Munetaka Murakami signed a $34 million contract with the Chicago White Sox.
How has Munetaka Murakami performed in the early part of the season?
In the first 21 games of the season, Munetaka Murakami is hitting at an incredible rate, surpassing expectations.
Why is Munetaka Murakami considered better than expected?
Munetaka Murakami is seen as better than expected because he is proving to be more than just a three-true-outcome hitter, showcasing greater versatility.