Murakami's Power Blasts into HR Derby

White Sox rookie Munetaka Murakami participated in his first MLB Home Run Derby on July 14, 2026, during All-Star Week at Citizens Bank Park. He hit nine home runs in the opening round but was eliminated, falling short of advancing. Murakami, who admitted to pre-event nerves, averaged 421 feet and 110 mph on his homers during the competition. His longest projected home run measured 466 feet at 114 mph.

Murakami's appearance marked him as only the second Japanese-born player to compete in the Home Run Derby, following Shohei Ohtani in 2021. Other players noted his raw power and keen eye at the plate. He earned his spot by hitting 20 home runs before a hamstring injury on May 30, returning to play on July 12, 2026. Murakami, who signed a two-year, $34 million contract in December, previously won back-to-back MVP awards in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball league.