Chicago White Sox: Munetaka Murakami gets interesting ranking among 8 Home Run Derby participants

The Chicago White Sox reached the MLB All-Star break 50-45 record, which has them tied for first place in the American League Central Division. Their record and level of play this season has been a surprise to many, who thought that the White Sox would, once again, be among the worst teams in Major League Baseball.

Instead, Chicago is one of just a handful of American League teams with a record over .500. What is more, for the first time in several years, they have more than one player representing them in the MLB All-Star Game.

Miguel Vargas was the only one named to the initial roster, but Munetaka Murakami and Tristan Peters have been added since.

Where Chicago White Sox slugger Munetaka Murakami ranks among Home Run Derby participants

In addition to being added to the American League All-Star roster as a replacement, Murakami accepted an invitation to participate in the Home Run Derby, which is being aired on Netflix on Monday night.

On Monday morning, MLB.com released its rankings of the eight sluggers who are participating in the event. Murakami, who is a rookie, was ranked fourth:

“There aren’t many players in baseball — in baseball history, really — who have hit moonshots quite like Murakami. And even if injuries have slowed him down in his rookie season, having him back and ready to go is a sign we’re about to see some of these impressive big flies launched into the Philadelphia night.

“It’s also excellent to see the White Sox — one of the best stories of the first half of the season — represented during All-Star Week as well. This is a team, and of course a player, that the world should see more of.”

As mentioned, Murakami is only just returning from injury, a strained hamstring that kept him out for over a month. At the time he went on the injured list, he led the American League with 20 home runs.

While he has not homered in the three games since his return, Murakami still ranks among the AL and MLB leaders in home runs.

Seeing him hit in the Home Run Derby is going to be very entertaining, especially for fans who have not been able to watch him consistently.

More Chicago White Sox news from ChiCity Sports

• Grading the 5 White Sox selections on Day 1 of the 2026 MLB Draft
• White Sox select Roch Cholowsky with 1st pick in 2026 MLB Draft
• Tristan Peters named to AL All-Star roster 1 day after hitting for the cycle

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