The Chicago White Sox are expected to make a major move in the coming days. After finishing with the worst record in the American League in 2025, the South Siders have had a predictably slow start to free agency. In fact, an agreement with pitcher Anthony Kay has been the team’s top free agent signing in recent weeks.
Nevertheless, this could very well change in a major way. ESPN’s David Schoenfield is now predicting that the White Sox will soon sign Munetaka Murakami. The outlet recently rated the corner infielder as the 10th-best free agent and the top Japanese slugger. The 25-year-old power hitter is expected to fetch a five-year, $80 million contract from an MLB team.
Schoenfield believes that the White Sox could capitalize on hesitations from other clubs. “If any of these top 10 free agents land in a surprising spot, Murakami might be the one,” claimed the writer. “The White Sox have money to spend — their current estimated payroll is just $68 million, and that includes $20 million for Luis Robert Jr., who might be traded.”
“They have a desperate need for power, and Murakami fits at either third or first, depending on where Miguel Vargas ends up. This would be a nice roll of the dice for a White Sox team that looks to be on the rise.”
Chicago White Sox Could Pounce on Munetaka Murakami While Other Teams Hesitate
GettySeveral MLB teams seem concerned with Munetaka Murakami’s strikeout rate.
Because the Japanese baseball league posted Murakami in early November, MLB teams have until December 22 to sign the star. If no deal is completed by this deadline, the infielder would have to return to Japan for another season. Although this particular date is approaching, The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal expects Murakami to land with an MLB team.
So far, several clubs have been linked with the Japanese hitter. This list includes top teams such as the Boston Red Sox, New York Mets, and Seattle Mariners. Nevertheless, it appears as if clubs are concerned about Murakami’s swing-and-miss risk. The slugger has 412 total strikeouts in his last 339 Japan Central League games. It is also logical to expect these Ks to increase when going up against MLB pitchers.
Although Murakami can play both corner infield positions, many scouts believe he is best suited at first base. If so, this could put the Mets out of the running for the Japanese star. New York just recently signed Jorge Polanco to play the position.
The Red Sox could remain in play for Murakami, but they are chasing two high-priced players in Alex Bregman and Ketel Marte. Potentially missing out on either infielder, however, could ignite the team’s interest in Murakami. Seattle, as Schoenfield pointed out, may not be willing to add yet another strikeout-prone hitter to its roster.
White Sox Need to add Power to their Starting Lineup
While contenders may be more enticing to Murakami, the White Sox could present an attractive financial package to the star. It remains to be seen if another team is willing to offer the Japanese slugger a massive contract. He could also become one of the most important centerpieces in Chicago’s lineup as well.
The White Sox, on the other hand, desperately need to add another power hitter to their team. Chicago only managed to hit 165 homers and score 647 total runs throughout the 2025 season. These figures ranked 23rd and 27th among all MLB teams on the campaign.
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