The Chicago White Sox just pulled off one of the more intriguing moves of the offseason, landing Japanese slugger Munetaka Murakami on a two-year, $34 million deal. It’s a signing that raises eyebrows not just because of who they got, but how they got him - and for how much.
At one point, Murakami was expected to be one of the biggest names on the international free agent market, with projections floating around the $200 million mark. But as the offseason unfolded, the buzz cooled.
Concerns about his ability to handle high-velocity pitching - something that’s become a staple in today’s MLB - began to surface. That likely played a role in the market correction, and the White Sox were ready to pounce.
This is a calculated swing by the South Siders - and it could pay off in a big way.
Murakami, 25, brings serious power to a White Sox lineup that’s in need of offensive punch. While questions remain about whether he’ll stick at third base or slide over to first, what’s clear is that Chicago plans to give him regular at-bats - something other teams, including the Cubs, couldn’t guarantee.
That’s ultimately what separated the White Sox from their crosstown rivals. The Cubs were reportedly in the mix, exploring short-term options with Murakami’s camp.
But with Matt Shaw penciled in at third base and the designated hitter spot likely to be matchup-dependent, Murakami’s role in Wrigleyville would’ve been more limited. For the Cubs, it would’ve been a high-upside play.
For the White Sox, it’s a foundational move.
Chicago’s South Side now becomes Murakami’s launching pad into MLB, and the fit makes sense. The White Sox can afford to let him play through the adjustment period, whether that’s at third, first, or even DH. They’re not just buying into the bat - they’re buying into the long-term potential of a player who once looked like a future star overseas.
Meanwhile, the Cubs continue to search for their signature move this winter. They’ve been linked to Alex Bregman, a proven All-Star who would represent a more definitive shift at third base. If Bregman were to land in Chicago, Shaw would likely shift into a super-utility role - a valuable piece, but a different trajectory than being the everyday starter.
With Murakami now off the board, the spotlight shifts to Kazuma Okamoto, another Japanese slugger drawing MLB interest. While Murakami may offer the higher ceiling, many scouts believe Okamoto could have the more immediate impact at the plate. The Cubs have reportedly kept tabs on him as well, but their approach may depend on how they address their rotation needs.
For now, though, it’s the White Sox who made the bold move - and at a bargain price. If Murakami adjusts to MLB velocity and taps into his power early, this could go down as one of the savviest signings of the offseason.