Munetaka Murakami is 1st White Sox player ever to start MLB career like this

Munetaka Murakami lingered in free agency longer than expected. Teams, through their lack of big contract given to the Japanese slugger, signaled their concern about his game.

Would he make enough contact to tap into his power at the MLB level? The Chicago White Sox believed enough to swoop in and sign him.

So far, so good.

Murakami homered on Opening Day for the White Sox on Thursday, pulling a long drive deep and gone to right field.

On Saturday, in Chicago's second game, he left the yard again. This time, it was close to dead centerfield, absolutely crushed:

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In the process, Murakami became the first player in White Sox franchise history to hit a home run in each of his first two career games in Major League Baseball, according to MLB insider Francys Romero.

That's quite the feat when you consider that the White Sox are one of the oldest franchises in the American League, and when you think back on some of the historic hitters and sluggers they've had through the years.

Murakami certainly isn't a traditional rookie. This is a guy who has been a World Baseball Classic hero for Samurai Japan, and someone who hit 56 home runs in an NPB season in 2022.

But still, the adjustment to MLB isn't always easy. Some players never figure it out, and others take a while to find their groove.

Murakami is sure making it look easy. His home run swing is smooth, powerful and special, and the White Sox surely are already glad they showed their belief in him this offseason.

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