Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Murakami's 431-Foot Grand Slam Fuels AL Lead

5/19/2026

34 7 Full Breakdown

Summary

Murakami's Home Run Surge

Munetaka Murakami hit a home run in the third inning against the Chicago Cubs on May 16, 2026.
He leads AL with 17 homers and 32 RBIs, tying for the third-most homers in a player’s first 45 games.
He hit a 431-foot grand slam on April 17, beginning a home-run streak.
The White Sox signed him after his November posting to a $34 million contract; manager Will Venable praised his adaptability.

Summary

Murakami Price Surge

Topps Black Chrome Orange Parallel redemption card sold for $6,700 on May 14 2026.
The Bowman Chrome WBC Gold PSA 10 rose from $137.50 to $2,350 on May 11 2026, a 1,609% jump.
A Murakami card fetched $4,250 on May 5 2026, a 672% price jump.
Topps plans a 2026 Gold SSP release showing Murakami in a pose after his double in the 2023 World Baseball Classic sent Japan to the final.

Summary

Murakami Multi-HR

Murakami recorded his first MLB multi-home-run game in the 8-3 win.
He met Cubs pitcher Shota Imanaga and outfielder Seiya Suzuki before the City Series.
Cubs pitcher Jameson Taillon said 29 other teams passed on Murakami because of groupthink.
Sox third baseman Miguel Vargas called Murakami’s preparation routine unbelievable and a team example.
Colson Montgomery described Murakami as a great dude who fits the upbeat clubhouse.

1 of 3

Murakami's Home Run Surge

Munetaka Murakami hit a home run in the third inning against the Chicago Cubs on May 16, 2026.
He leads AL with 17 homers and 32 RBIs, tying for the third-most homers in a player’s first 45 games.
He hit a 431-foot grand slam on April 17, beginning a home-run streak.
The White Sox signed him after his November posting to a $34 million contract; manager Will Venable praised his adaptability.

1 / 3