Rookie Nishida Joins Murakami As 2nd Japanese Chicago White Sox Player

BusinessSportsMoneyRookie Nishida Joins Murakami As 2nd Japanese Chicago White Sox PlayerByBernie Pleskoff,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Bernie Pleskoff is a former professional Major League Baseball scout Follow AuthorMay 26, 2026, 02:00am EDTCHICAGO, ILLINOIS - MAY 25: Munetaka Murakami #5 of the Chicago White Sox and Rikuu Nishida #51 of the Chicago White Sox stand for the National Anthem before a game against the Minnesota Twins at Rate Field on May 25, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images)Getty ImagesThe Chicago White Sox have promoted left-handed hitting second baseman/outfielder Rikuu Nishida to the big league club.Nishida spent parts of four seasons in his Chicago White Sox development program.Nishida, 25, was promoted from the Triple-A Charlotte Knights, where his On Base Percentage was .454.He left Charlotte with a batting average of .347, with three doubles, and one home run in 209 Triple-A plate appearances. He stole six bases, without being thrown out.To make room for Nishida on their 40-man roster, the White Sox designated outfielder Jarred Kelenic for assignment.Nishida started in right field for the White Sox on May 25, 2027, the day of his graduation to the big leagues.Nishida joins slugger Munetaka Murakami on the White Sox roster, as two players of Japanese descent.The physicality of Nishida and Murakami couldn’t be more different.Nishida is 5-6, 150 pounds, but he plays with tremendous passion and energy.Murakami is 6-2, 213 pounds. He too, gives everything he has on the field.MORE FOR YOUThere are other tremendous differences between Nishida and Murakami.SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MAY 22: Munetaka Murakami #5 of the Chicago White Sox warms up his swing taking batting practice prior to the start of the game against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park on May 22, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)Getty ImagesMurakami is...