White Sox Land Murakami in Surprise Move, Shaking Up International Market
The international free agent market just got its first major jolt.
Japanese slugger Munetaka Murakami is heading to the South Side, agreeing to a two-year deal with the Chicago White Sox, according to multiple league reports. The move came quickly-and at a lower price point than many expected.
But the real headline here is the strategy behind the signing: Murakami, at just 26 years old, is betting on himself. Instead of chasing long-term security, he’s chosen flexibility, leaving the door open for a bigger payday down the line if he proves he can thrive in the majors.
It’s a bold move-and one that instantly reshaped the international market.
Murakami’s Deal Sends Ripples Through Free Agency
Murakami’s short-term deal does more than just fill a middle-of-the-order need for the White Sox. It also reset expectations for how NPB hitters are being valued by MLB front offices this winter.
The message? Teams are cautious.
While Murakami’s power and plate discipline have translated to elite production in Japan, there’s always uncertainty when it comes to how those tools will play against big-league pitching.
That hesitation hasn’t extended to arms, though. If anything, pitchers from Japan are commanding more attention than ever-and that brings us to Tatsuya Imai, whose market is heating up at just the right time.
Tatsuya Imai: The Arm Everyone Wants
Imai isn’t just another name on the board. He’s a 27-year-old right-hander with a mid-90s fastball, a slider that misses bats, and a changeup that rounds out a full starter’s arsenal.
His numbers back it up: a 1.92 ERA in 2025 and a 2.34 mark in 2024 in NPB, with All-Star nods both years. This isn’t projection-this is production.
And with the Yankees dealing with injuries to Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodón, the timing couldn’t be more significant. New York hasn’t officially met with Imai yet, but league insiders believe they’d be a strong contender if they jump in.
Imai has expressed interest in facing off against the Dodgers, but the Yankees offer something just as enticing: innings and October baseball. If they get serious, they could be tough to beat.
Baltimore in the Mix
Don’t count out the Orioles, though. They’ve been aggressive all offseason, and Imai’s profile fits exactly what they need-rotation stability with upside.
With Shane Baz and Kyle Bradish already in the mix, adding Imai could give Baltimore one of the most intriguing young rotations in the American League. As his January 2 posting deadline approaches, the Orioles are a team to watch.
Okamoto Could Be the Next Domino
While Murakami’s deal reshaped the market, it also opened a window of opportunity for teams still looking to add power. That brings us to Kazuma Okamoto, another NPB slugger who’s quietly built a résumé that demands attention-six straight 30-homer seasons in Japan. That kind of consistency plays anywhere.
With Murakami off the board and his deal coming in lighter than expected, Okamoto’s market may be softer than anticipated. That’s exactly why a team like the Pirates should make a move.
Pittsburgh just traded for Brandon Lowe, signaling they’re not content to stand pat. Adding Okamoto to that mix could give them a lineup that suddenly looks a lot more competitive.
Sometimes the best moves are the bold ones. For the White Sox, betting on Murakami was just that. Now, the question is: who’s next?