Andrew Rizzo Updated July 14th, 2026: While Jordan Brand’s original press release stated Munetaka Murakami would wear the Jordan 3 “True Blue” cleat for his first appearance as a Jordan Brand athlete, the Japanese slugger pulled up in something even better. The Chicago White Sox first baseman wore an all-new Air Jordan 11 PE featuring a red nubuck upper and pink tile pattern on the mudguard. Just beautiful.
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- Chicago White Sox
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- Chicago White Sox
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- Chicago White Sox
Original article published July 13th, 2026:
Japanese slugger Munetaka Murakami of the Chicago White Sox has signed with Jordan Brand, joining Aaron Judge, Mookie Betts, and Elly De La Cruz on the Jumpman’s MLB roster. The announcement coincides with MLB All-Star Weekend, the first-time MLB All-Star set to compete in his first MLB Home Run Derby tonight at Citizens Bank Park.
Murakami emerged as one of Japan’s brightest baseball stars at just 18 years old in 2018, eventually totaling 246 home runs across eight NPB seasons while drawing considerable interest from MLB scouts. He became available to major league clubs this past offseason, though concerns surrounding his strikeout rate cooled projections of a massive long-term contract. Instead, Murakami signed a two-year, $34 million deal with the White Sox.
The strikeouts have followed him to the majors, but so has the power. Murakami entered the All-Star break with 20 home runs through just 60 games, enough production to forgive his whiff flaws.
MLB’s domestic audience is obviously nothing to scoff at, but Murakami’s enormous profile in Japan makes him an especially valuable signing for Jordan Brand. Much like New Balance has done with Shohei Ohtani, the Jumpman now has another athlete capable of strengthening its presence across both the American and Japanese markets.
“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.” – Munetaka Murakami
