Chicago White Sox Make a Unique Addition at Munetaka Murakami’s Request

The transition from Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) to Major League Baseball (MLB) is no small feat, especially when it comes to adjusting to new cultures and environments. For Munetaka Murakami, the Japanese slugger who recently joined the Chicago White Sox, the adaptation process has been made just a little easier thanks to a request he made regarding the team’s clubhouse amenities.

Murakami, who was signed by the White Sox in December to a two-year, $34 million deal, noticed an absence in the locker room that many players might overlook: a bidet. According to reports from Scott Merkin of MLB.com, Murakami pointed out the lack of this essential bathroom feature during his initial visit to Chicago. General Manager Chris Getz confirmed that Murakami’s suggestion has been taken to heart, and the White Sox have now installed a bidet in the clubhouse, ensuring that Murakami will have a familiar comfort as he settles into his new home.

“It was something that stood out to him,” Getz said. “When he checked out our facilities, one thing he did notice is we didn’t have a bidet in our locker room. That’s something that’s new to him, and we are putting one in. So, it was like, ‘Ok, that’s new. We can do that.’”

This unique request is just one example of Murakami’s commitment to ensuring he’s comfortable in his new environment, showing that even the smallest details matter as he adjusts to the major leagues.

New Tools to Help Murakami Adjust to MLB Pitching

While the addition of the bidet is certainly an interesting change, it’s the technological tools the White Sox have at their disposal that could provide Murakami with a much bigger advantage in adjusting to MLB pitching. During his initial visit to the White Sox facilities, Murakami also had the opportunity to check out the Trajekt machine, a piece of cutting-edge technology designed to help hitters practice against specific pitchers.

The Trajekt machine replicates a pitcher’s windup, allowing hitters to take batting practice with the same feel as if they were facing a real-life opponent. This could prove invaluable for Murakami as he transitions from Japan’s NPB to MLB, where he will face an entirely new set of pitchers. Given that Murakami has struggled with contact in the past, especially with a high strikeout rate, the Trajekt machine could play a crucial role in helping him adjust to the higher caliber of pitchers in the major leagues.

Murakami’s time in Japan was marked by impressive power, but his contact issues have been a point of concern. Over the last three seasons, he posted a strikeout rate above 28%, which could push even higher in MLB due to the increased competition. His swinging-strike rate has also been a problem, consistently exceeding 12% in each of his seasons, and his 17.3% rate in 2025 would have ranked at the top of MLB hitters.

Despite this, Murakami’s raw power is undeniable. With the Trajekt machine at his disposal, he’ll have the opportunity to face simulated MLB pitching, giving him the necessary repetitions to hone his swing and approach before the season begins. If he can refine his contact rate and adjust to the velocity and movement of major league pitchers, Murakami could avoid some of the swing-and-miss issues that have plagued him.

Murakami’s Power: What He Brings to the White Sox

While his contact issues are a concern, there’s no doubting Murakami’s ability to hit for power. He set an NPB record in 2022 by hitting 56 home runs as a 22-year-old, earning unanimous MVP honors and securing his second consecutive Triple Crown. Over his eight seasons in Japan, Murakami racked up 246 home runs, and his raw power earned him an 80 grade from FanGraphs.

This is exactly the type of power the Chicago White Sox have been lacking in recent years. The team has struggled offensively, finishing 27th or worse in scoring for each of the last three seasons. They also haven’t had a player top 22 home runs in the past two years, and with power hitter Luis Robert traded to the New York Mets, Murakami’s addition is a critical step toward revamping their offense.

Murakami will be joining a young core that includes prospects like Colson Montgomery, Kyle Teel, and Chase Meidroth. The White Sox are hoping that this influx of talent can help them return to the playoffs for the first time since 2021. However, the team has struggled in recent years, having posted 100+ losses in each of the last three seasons. Murakami’s power and bat could provide a major boost to the lineup and help the White Sox make strides toward a competitive season.

The White Sox’s Road to the Playoffs with Murakami

The addition of Murakami to the White Sox lineup could be a game-changer for the team’s offense in 2026. While the team has struggled in recent years, they’re betting on their young players to turn things around. Murakami’s presence, with his ability to hit for power and his potential for growth, is a key part of the White Sox’s strategy to get back into contention.

With the technological tools like the Trajekt machine to help him refine his swing and adjust to major league pitching, Murakami could help lead the White Sox offense in the coming years. His ability to hit for power, coupled with improvements in his contact rate, could make him one of the most exciting new players in the American League.

As Murakami settles into his new life in Chicago, the addition of a bidet might be a small but important comfort in his transition to life in the big leagues. But it’s the impact he can make on the field that will truly determine his place in the White Sox’s quest for a playoff berth. Fans in Chicago will be watching closely to see if Murakami can bring his power to the MLB stage and help the White Sox return to playoff contention.