It’s only the opening week of the 2026 MLB season, but two young hitters have already forced their way into the history books.
Munetaka Murakami of the Chicago White Sox and Chase DeLauter of the Cleveland Guardians have each homered in their first three major league games—an achievement so rare it has only happened twice before in MLB history.
Before this week, the only players to accomplish the feat were Trevor Story in 2016 and Kyle Lewis in 2019.
Murakami, 26, continued his remarkable start with a home run against the Milwaukee Brewers, launching a 3-2 pitch into the bullpen in right-center field. That blast followed earlier homers in his debut and second game, immediately establishing him as one of the most dangerous bats to watch early this season.
Despite the milestone, Murakami has remained grounded.
He acknowledged the significance of the moment but emphasized that his focus remains on improving. That mindset reflects the disciplined approach that helped him become one of Japan’s most feared sluggers before arriving in MLB.
And the raw power is translating.
Murakami entered the league with an impressive résumé, including 246 home runs in Japan and a 56-homer season that showcased his elite potential. While there were concerns about his strikeout rate, his early performance has balanced that narrative—he’s already drawn multiple walks and posted a strong on-base percentage alongside his power surge.
Meanwhile, DeLauter has been just as impressive.
The 24-year-old outfielder launched four home runs across his first three games, including a dramatic extra-inning blast that highlighted both his strength and composure. His ability to respond after difficult at-bats has drawn praise from his coaching staff, signaling a level of maturity beyond his experience.
Though DeLauter’s streak ended in his fourth game, the impact of his arrival is already clear.
Murakami now has a chance to take things even further.
With another home run, he could tie the MLB record set by Story for homers in each of a player’s first four career games. It’s a rare opportunity—and one that would further cement his arrival as one of the league’s most exciting new stars.
For the White Sox, that excitement couldn’t come at a better time.
After several difficult seasons and a rough start to 2026, Murakami’s emergence provides a much-needed spark. His presence offers hope—not just for immediate production, but for a brighter direction moving forward.
It’s still early.
But when history starts knocking this quickly, it’s impossible not to pay attention.
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