PHOENIX — Munetaka Murakami is hitting home runs at a pace no Chicago White Sox player has before.
He not only homered in his fifth consecutive game Wednesday night, equaling a White Sox record, but has reached 10 homers in just 24 games, the quickest by a White Sox player in franchise history.
Murakami, who signed a two-year, $34 million free-agent contract, set the franchise record with a 451-foot blast over the center-field fence off Ryan Thompson, with the crowd of 20,799 at Chase Field in awe of the majestic blast.
“My swing is pretty good overall,’’ Murakami said. “It’s still early in the season, so I still have to keep adjustment to the pitchers, but right now, I’m sitting really well at the moment.’’
Munetaka Murakami STAYS HOT 🔥 pic.twitter.com/dmbRzIcoaD
When asked what it’s like to have even more homers than three-time MVP Aaron Judge, Murakami says he shouldn’t be compared to any power hitter at this stage of his career.
“I’m not the caliber of a player who should be compared to Aaron Judge,’’ Murakami said. “I’ve got to stay humble and keep doing what I’m doing right now.’’
The Athletics Lawrence Butler is tagged out by Chicago White Sox third baseman Miguel Vargas as he tires to extend his double into a triple during the eighth inning at Sutter Health Park on April 18, 2026.Cleveland Guardians mascot Slider interacts with fans during game against the Baltimore Orioles at Progressive Field on April 17, 2026.Washington Nationals right fielder Daylen Lile attempts to catch a ball hit for a single by the Pittsburgh Pirates' Jake Mangum during the first inning at PNC Park on April 16, 2026. The Nationals won the game, 8-7.Milwaukee Brewers catcher Gary Sanchez wears a special chest protector to commemorate Jackie Robinson Day during the game against the Toronto Blue Jays at American Family Field on April 15, 2026.
The Pittsburgh Pirates' Konnor Griffin celebrates with a traffic cone after making his major-league debut in a 5-4 defeat of the Baltimore Orioles at PNC Park on April 3, 2026.
Cleveland Guardians players warm up as the launch of NASA's Artemis II is shown on the center-field video board at Dodger Stadium on April 1, 2026.
Two F-35C planes from Air Test and Evaluation Squadron NINE Detachment Edwards Air Force Base perform a flyover before the Opening Day game between the Arizona Diamondbacks and Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on March 26, 2026.
1 / 21Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB seasonThe Athletics Lawrence Butler is tagged out by Chicago White Sox third baseman Miguel Vargas as he tires to extend his double into a triple during the eighth inning at Sutter Health Park on April 18, 2026.1 / 21Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB seasonThe Athletics Lawrence Butler is tagged out by Chicago White Sox third baseman Miguel Vargas as he tires to extend his double into a triple during the eighth inning at Sutter Health Park on April 18, 2026.2 / 21Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB seasonCleveland Guardians mascot Slider interacts with fans during game against the Baltimore Orioles at Progressive Field on April 17, 2026.3 / 21Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB seasonWashington Nationals right fielder Daylen Lile attempts to catch a ball hit for a single by the Pittsburgh Pirates' Jake Mangum during the first inning at PNC Park on April 16, 2026. The Nationals won the game, 8-7.4 / 21Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB seasonMilwaukee Brewers catcher Gary Sanchez wears a special chest protector to commemorate Jackie Robinson Day during the game against the Toronto Blue Jays at American Family Field on April 15, 2026.
The Pittsburgh Pirates' Konnor Griffin celebrates with a traffic cone after making his major-league debut in a 5-4 defeat of the Baltimore Orioles at PNC Park on April 3, 2026.
Cleveland Guardians players warm up as the launch of NASA's Artemis II is shown on the center-field video board at Dodger Stadium on April 1, 2026.
Two F-35C planes from Air Test and Evaluation Squadron NINE Detachment Edwards Air Force Base perform a flyover before the Opening Day game between the Arizona Diamondbacks and Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on March 26, 2026.
And while any team could have had Murakami, with the White Sox winning the sweepstakes with their modest offer, Murakami says he’s thrilled to be in Chicago’s South Side.
“I love the team very much,’’ he said. “All my teammates are very open to communication. They are really just good teammates overall. Staff, coaches, I love them very much.’’
Needless to say, the love affair is mutual, with the White Sox loving him right back with his power show.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Munetaka Murakami homers in fifth consecutive game for White Sox