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A new chapter is being written for Japanese stars in Major League Baseball, and it’s happening fast. White Sox slugger Munetaka Murakami has officially passed Shohei Ohtani for the most home runs by a Japanese-born player in their first 21 MLB games, setting a new benchmark with seven homers.
For context, Ohtani, now a global superstar with the Los Angeles Dodgers, hit five in his first 21 games as a hitter. Murakami didn’t just edge him; he cleared him.
MORE: Yankees pitcher receiving death threats this week
Chicago White Sox first baseman Munetaka Murakami (5) homers (1) on a fly ball to right field during the ninth inning of the Opening Day game against the Milwaukee Brewers on Thursday March 26, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Seven home runs in your first 21 games isn’t just impressive, it’s historic. Murakami now holds the record for the most home runs by a Japanese-born player through their first 21 MLB games. That put him ahead of every player who’s made the transition from Japan to the majors. That includes one of the greatest to ever do it.
If you thought he’d cool off after setting the record, think again. Murakami followed it up by launching his eighth home run on Sunday, continuing a scorching start that has quickly turned heads across the league.
This isn’t just about one stat; it’s about how he’s doing it. Murakami’s power has translated immediately to MLB pitching. His ability to string together home run streaks this early in his career is almost unheard of.
In fact, he’s already become just the second player since 1900 to record multiple home run streaks of three games or more within his first 22 career games. That’s elite company, especially this early.
Mar 29, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Chicago White Sox first baseman Munetaka Murakami (5) reacts after hitting a solo home run in the second inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
Breaking a record held by Shohei Ohtani, even an early-career one, isn’t something that happens casually. It speaks to Murakami’s readiness, confidence, and ability to adjust to MLB pitching at a rapid pace. The transition from Japan to the majors is never easy, but right now, he’s making it look that way.
It’s still early, but the message is clear: Murakami isn’t just here to adjust—he’s here to produce. He has already made history, and if this start is any indication, he might just be getting warmed up. Because when you’re breaking records once held by Shohei Ohtani within your first few weeks in the league, you’re not just arriving—you’re announcing yourself.
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For context, Ohtani, now a global superstar with the Los Angeles Dodgers, hit five in his first 21 games as a hitter. Murakami didn’t just edge him; he cleared him.
MORE: Yankees pitcher receiving death threats this week
A Record-Breaking Start
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Chicago White Sox first baseman Munetaka Murakami (5) homers (1) on a fly ball to right field during the ninth inning of the Opening Day game against the Milwaukee Brewers on Thursday March 26, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Seven home runs in your first 21 games isn’t just impressive, it’s historic. Murakami now holds the record for the most home runs by a Japanese-born player through their first 21 MLB games. That put him ahead of every player who’s made the transition from Japan to the majors. That includes one of the greatest to ever do it.
If you thought he’d cool off after setting the record, think again. Murakami followed it up by launching his eighth home run on Sunday, continuing a scorching start that has quickly turned heads across the league.
Power, Consistency, and Early Dominance
This isn’t just about one stat; it’s about how he’s doing it. Murakami’s power has translated immediately to MLB pitching. His ability to string together home run streaks this early in his career is almost unheard of.
In fact, he’s already become just the second player since 1900 to record multiple home run streaks of three games or more within his first 22 career games. That’s elite company, especially this early.
You must be registered for see images attach
Mar 29, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Chicago White Sox first baseman Munetaka Murakami (5) reacts after hitting a solo home run in the second inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
What This Means
Breaking a record held by Shohei Ohtani, even an early-career one, isn’t something that happens casually. It speaks to Murakami’s readiness, confidence, and ability to adjust to MLB pitching at a rapid pace. The transition from Japan to the majors is never easy, but right now, he’s making it look that way.
It’s still early, but the message is clear: Murakami isn’t just here to adjust—he’s here to produce. He has already made history, and if this start is any indication, he might just be getting warmed up. Because when you’re breaking records once held by Shohei Ohtani within your first few weeks in the league, you’re not just arriving—you’re announcing yourself.
— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead —
Continue reading...
