White Sox keeping pace with Dodgers in 1 big stat explains shocking season

The Chicago White Sox are enjoying some success this season, which has come as a surprise to many in the baseball world. While some exciting prospects and players are producing some solid numbers to begin the 2026 campaign, there is one key stat showing Chicago is maintaining pace with the Los Angeles Dodgers that may explain the success this year.

As a team, the White Sox have recorded 75 home runs through 56 games played. That’s only one less than the Dodgers, and ranks Chicago in the top five for most home runs in the league.

Much of the thanks can go to rookie infielder Munetaka Murakami, who has been on an absolute tear in his first year in MLB. Although he only has a .242 batting average, the Japanese native owns a .381 OBP, recording 48 hits while leading the American League in home runs (20), RBIs (41), and runs (43).

Murakami put himself in rare company after hitting his 20th home run of the season, according to ESPN Insights. He’s the fourth player in league history to reach 20 home runs in his first career 55 games in the majors, while also being the third player in White Sox history to accomplish that feat within the team’s first 55 games.

Munetaka Murakami continues to make his transition to MLB look easy, crushing his 20th HR of the season yesterday

4th player in MLB history with 20 HR in his first 55 career games

3rd player in franchise history to hit 20 HR within the team's first 55 games in a… pic.twitter.com/Y7IG3BiQhI

— ESPN Insights (@ESPNInsights) May 28, 2026

The White Sox have been a pleasant surprise this season. While the club keeps pace with the Dodgers in the home run category, Chicago owns a 29-27 record and is just 3.0 games behind the first-placed Cleveland Guardians. The team also has a better record than any team in the entire AL West.

Munetaka Murakami and his teammates will have a chance to earn their 30th win of the campaign on Friday. The White Sox are scheduled to take on the Detroit Tigers at 7:40 p.m. EST for the first matchup of a three-game series.

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