Full Breakdown
Munetaka Murakami's 20th Home Run Fuels Historic Surge for the Chicago White Sox
5/28/2026, 9:54:36 PM
Record-Setting Power Surge
On May 28, 2026, Munetaka Murakami hit his 20th home run in the seventh inning of a 15–2 win over the Minnesota Twins. The blast tied him for the American League lead and made him the first MLB rookie to reach 20 homers before June since 1901, joining only Jim Thome and Frank Thomas as White Sox players to do so before June 1.
Background & Context
Murakami joined Chicago after back-to-back NPB MVP awards (2021, 2022) and a 2022 Triple Crown (.318 average, 56 homers, 134 RBI). The White Sox signed him to a two-year, $34 million deal in the 2025 offseason.
Data & Statistics
Through 196 at-bats Murakami records a .240/.375/.561 slash line, 0.936 OPS, 20 homers, 40 RBI, 42 runs and 42 walks. He is tied with Yordan Alvarez for the AL home-run lead and trails only Jonathan Aranda in RBI.
Impact on the White Sox Season
The team improved to 28-27, 3.5 games behind the AL Central leader and holding the second wild-card spot. Murakami’s power, combined with contributions from prospects such as Colson Montgomery and Miguel Vargas, has propelled the club into early playoff contention after three consecutive 100-loss seasons.
Official Statements & Responses
Manager Will Venable said the organization’s goal is to develop its core, noting “the goal of the season was to develop the core of the team.” Front-office staff called Murakami’s start “an absolute bargain in hindsight.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “Murakami became the first rookie in MLB history to accomplish this feat, surpassing Pete Alonso’s 19 home-runs before June in 2019.” — SouthSideDown, Sports Blog
- “Murakami is tied with Yordan Alvarez of the Houston Astros for the most home runs in the American League and is tied for second with 40 RBI behind only Jonathan Aranda of the Tampa Bay Rays.” — Bleacher Report
- “/AFPBBNews=NEWS1 Munetaka Murakami (26, Chicago White Sox) moved into a tie for first place in home runs in the American League (AL) with three consecutive home runs.” — StarNews Korea
What's Next
The White Sox finish the three-game series against Minnesota Thursday, a result that could affect their AL Central standing. Murakami will continue battling Kyle Schwarber in the home-run race as Chicago pursues a wild-card berth.
