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White Sox’s Munetaka Murakami Tied for MLB Home Run Lead in First Month

His breakout is forcing early decisions on his short two-year deal.

Apr 29, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago White Sox first baseman Munetaka Murakami (5) yells in the dugout before the game against the Los Angeles Angels at Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
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Overview

  • On Thursday, The Sporting News relayed Bleacher Report's speculation that the Mets could pursue a deadline trade, citing Chicago's bleak outlook.
  • Murakami sits tied with Aaron Judge for the MLB lead at 12 home runs, with Yordan Alvarez one back at 11.
  • Chicago signed him this winter to a two-year, $34 million deal that now looks like a bargain for a first-year MLB slugger.
  • His first 12 extra-base hits in MLB were all home runs, the longest such career-opening run since at least 1900 per Elias Sports via Sarah Langs.
  • Analysts urge the White Sox to chase a long-term extension, even as pitchers may target his swing-and-miss on sliders and other breaking balls to cool his pace.