White Sox Star Munetaka Murakami Signs Endorsement Deal With Jordan Brand
· Yahoo Sports
Chicago White Sox first baseman Munetaka Murakami is making moves that go beyond the field.
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Shortly before participating in the Home Run Derby and MLB All-Star Game, Chicago's Japanese sensation was officially added to Jordan Brand's athlete roster. Murakami announced the endorsement deal at the perfect time, just as he was stepping onto center stage as one of MLB's rising stars.
Murakami joins the likes of Mookie Betts, Aaron Judge, and Jazz Chisholm Jr. among MLB stars signed with Jordan Brand.
Murakami was photographed wearing Air Jordan 3 Retro True Blue cleats in the official release, matching the recent All-Star Week release. He then rocked red Jordan 11 cleats, a player exclusive designed for the Home Run Derby itself.
Chicago White Sox third baseman Munetaka Murakami (5) at bat during the home run derby at Citizens Bank Park. via Eric Hartline-Imagn Images“Joining Jordan Brand is a dream come true. The Jumpman stands for greatness, confidence and pushing beyond limits—values that have inspired me throughout my career. To be part of a family that includes some of the world’s greatest athletes is an incredible honor and I’m excited to represent Jordan Brand on the field and help grow the game of baseball for the next generation,” Murakami said in a statement.
Murakami becomes the first White Sox player to secure a Jordan Brand sponsorship since Tim Anderson, and perhaps it is a deal that could lead to a long-term future between Murakami and the White Sox.
Munetaka Murakami hit 20 home runs in the first 200 at-bats of his MLB career, answering every question evaluators had about him as he made the transition from Japan. Murakami has fit in extremely well with the White Sox clubhouse and has been fully embraced by the South Siders.
His Chicago connection can't hurt when it comes to his new affiliation with Jordan Brand.
While Murakami is only on a two-year contract worth $34 million, part of the reason he signed with the White Sox to begin with was the opportunity for regular playing time, a culture that supported him, and, of course, the brand opportunities that come with playing in the city of Chicago. It is now paying dividends. And with the White Sox sitting in first place in the AL Central at the All-Star break, a contract extension for Murakami seems more viable than ever.
Murakami told the media from the All-Star Game red carpet that he and the White Sox have not had specific conversations about dollar values, but that he would like to stay in Chicago long term. It is imperative for the White Sox to make that a reality.
Murakami is not only giving the White Sox a boost on the field, but he is also improving their national perception. His selections for the All-Star Game and Home Run Derby, along with his new endorsement deal with Jordan Brand, show that he is one of baseball's brightest stars. Having him on the roster can prove beneficial in ways that extend far beyond the box score.