MESA, Ariz. — Munetaka Murakami, the newest addition to the Chicago White Sox lineup, overcame a chaotic commute to build a strong first impression in his Cactus League debut Friday, delivering two hits and two RBIs in an 8-1 victory over the Cubs.
The 26-year-old Japanese slugger, who signed a $34 million, two-year contract with the rebuilding White Sox in December, nearly missed his first spring training start due to a major traffic accident on the interstate. He arrived at Sloan Park just minutes before the first pitch.
“Oh my god!” Murakami exclaimed after the game, describing the traffic situation and punctuating his statement with a fist pump. He added, through translator Kenzo Yagi, “I’m really happy how it went without any injuries.” He noted he was still in the car at 12:50 p.m. For the 1:05 p.m. Start.
Despite the stressful arrival, Murakami quickly settled into the game, batting cleanup and starting at first base. In the third inning, he drove a 91.9 mph sinker from Connor Schultz into the middle of the field for a single, with an exit velocity of 108.3 mph. His most impactful moment came in the fourth inning, when he connected on a drive to center field off Porter Hodge.
The resulting hit took an unexpected turn when Cubs center fielder Seiya Suzuki, a former teammate of Murakami’s on the Japanese national team, lost the ball in the sun. The ball dropped in on the warning track for a two-run double.
“It was a great at-bat. I was able to get good angles on the bat and velocity. I’m really happy how it went and how it went over my friend as well,” Murakami said.
Suzuki, jokingly acknowledging the miscue, said through a translator, “I loved him, but after the popup, I hate him. So I’m not going to support him.” Both players are expected to represent Team Japan in the upcoming World Baseball Classic, having discussed the challenges of playing in Chicago during the offseason.
Murakami finished his day with a called third strike in the sixth inning and was replaced in the field afterward. White Sox manager Will Venable praised Murakami’s professionalism and adaptability, particularly given the unusual circumstances surrounding his arrival.
“This guy is so committed and such a professional,” Venable said. “We’ve asked him to do some things that he hasn’t necessarily been accustomed to and how he prepares and his adaptability and flexibility to do those things has been awesome. That adjustability gives you confidence that he’s going to be able to proceed out there and make adjustments throughout the year.”
Murakami’s debut was part of a busy first day of spring training games across Major League Baseball. Orioles first baseman Pete Alonso and Diamondbacks third baseman Nolan Arenado both homered for their new teams, whereas Alex Bregman went 0 for 2 in his first game with the Cubs after signing a $175 million, five-year contract.
