The White Sox just made their biggest splash in years, landing Japanese slugger Munetaka Murakami on a two-year deal worth $17 million per season. It’s a bold move - and a necessary one - for a club that’s clearly in the middle of a retool.
Murakami becomes just the second major league free agent added to the roster this winter, joining lefty Anthony Kay, who signed back in November. But even with those two moves, it’s clear the White Sox aren’t done.
If they’re serious about taking a step forward in 2026, there’s still plenty of work ahead.
Manager Will Venable has voiced confidence in the team’s direction, and now it’s up to GM Chris Getz to keep building. Let’s take a closer look at three areas the White Sox are likely to target next - because this roster still has some holes that need patching.
Outfield: Thin Depth, Uncertain Futures
The infield appears mostly set, but the outfield? That’s another story.
The White Sox are still waiting for top prospect Braden Montgomery to arrive - and while he’s expected to make his debut sometime in 2026, Getz has already shut down any talk of him breaking camp with the big-league club. That leaves the outfield mix looking shaky heading into spring.
Luis Robert Jr. remains the centerpiece - for now. But with trade rumors swirling, his long-term future on the South Side is far from certain. If he’s moved, the outfield picture gets even murkier.
Andrew Benintendi is penciled in for left field, but his defensive regression and recent injury history are real concerns. In right, Everson Pereira - a former Yankees prospect - is the current favorite, though he’s still trying to prove he belongs at the major league level. The White Sox also tendered a deal to Derek Hill, a glove-first outfielder who brings speed and defense but little offensive punch.
Last week’s trade for Tristan Peters adds another name to the mix, but scouts don’t see much upside there. Peters did earn MVP honors with the Rays’ Triple-A affiliate in Durham, and he’s coming off a strong finish to the season - but he’s more depth than difference-maker at this point.
The free-agent outfield market is thin, which complicates things. Still, the White Sox could use a veteran or two who can stabilize the group, especially if Robert is dealt. Right now, this outfield looks more like a patchwork than a plan.
Starting Pitching: Still Looking for Stability
The addition of Anthony Kay helps, but the rotation still has question marks beyond the top few arms. The White Sox have reportedly been aggressive in pursuing mid-tier starters, and with good reason - there’s a clear need for more stability.
That said, the $17 million committed to Murakami might limit how much more they can spend on pitching. Still, there are realistic options out there.
Names like Lucas Giolito, Zack Littell, Nick Martinez, and Chris Bassitt could all provide solid, innings-eating value. If the team wants to roll the dice on upside, bounce-back candidates like Walker Buehler or German Marquez could be in play - assuming the price is right.
As it stands, the rotation includes Shane Smith, Davis Martin, Anthony Kay, and Sean Burke, with Drew Thorpe and Ky Bush expected back at some point during the season. Prospects Tanner McDougal, Noah Schultz, and Hagen Smith are also on the horizon, so any addition here is likely to be a short-term deal - someone who can hold things down while the younger arms continue to develop.
This isn’t just about filling innings - the White Sox need someone who can anchor the middle of the rotation and give them a fighting chance every fifth day. That kind of presence is still missing.
Bullpen: Searching for Late-Inning Answers
The bullpen was a problem spot in 2025, and the front office has started addressing it - but the group still lacks a proven late-inning arm. So far, the White Sox have taken low-risk flyers on Chris Murphy and Ryan Rollison, and they added a couple of intriguing arms via the Rule 5 Draft. But they haven’t landed the kind of experienced reliever who can lock down the eighth or ninth inning.
They’ve been linked to former Rays closer Pete Fairbanks, though his price tag might be a sticking point. If Fairbanks proves too expensive, there are still several veterans out there who could help. Kirby Yates, David Robertson, Danny Coulombe, and Pierce Johnson all bring late-inning experience and could slot into high-leverage roles right away.
Internally, there’s some young talent worth watching. Jordan Leasure, Grant Taylor, and Mike Vasil all showed flashes in 2025, and the hope is they can take another step forward. But relying solely on unproven arms in the bullpen is a risky game - especially for a team trying to turn the corner.
Adding one or two steady veterans to pair with the young core would go a long way toward solidifying the relief corps. Right now, the bullpen feels more like a work in progress than a finished product.
What’s Next?
The Murakami signing is a statement - a sign that the White Sox aren’t content to sit idle. But it’s also just one move in a larger puzzle. There’s still a long way to go before this roster is ready to compete.
With needs in the outfield, rotation, and bullpen, Chris Getz and the front office have their hands full. The question now is whether the next wave of additions will be impact players or more reclamation projects. Either way, the current roster isn’t built to contend as-is.
Coming off a big win with Murakami, the White Sox have momentum. Now it’s about keeping that momentum going - and building a team that can take a real step forward in 2026.