The Colorado Rockies and Chicago White Sox have had a rough go of it lately-no sugarcoating that. Since the start of the 2023 season, these two clubs have been locked in a race no one wants to win: the battle for the worst record in Major League Baseball.
The Rockies have posted a 163-323 record (.335 winning percentage), just barely edging out the White Sox, who sit at 162-324 (.333). That’s a combined stretch of baseball that’s been tough to watch for fans of either franchise.
But this week, the White Sox decided to do something about it. In a bold move that signals a shift in direction, Chicago signed Japanese slugger Munetaka Murakami to a two-year, $34 million deal. It’s a swing for the fences-literally and figuratively-for a team that’s dropped more than 100 games in each of the past three seasons.
Now, let’s be clear: there are questions about Murakami’s transition to MLB. His strikeout rate in Japan raised some eyebrows, and history tells us that even the most talented NPB hitters can face a steep learning curve when adjusting to big-league pitching.
But make no mistake-this is a move that injects legitimate hope into the South Side clubhouse. It’s a statement that the White Sox aren’t content to sit at the bottom of the standings and wait for better days.
They’re trying to build them.
And that brings us to Colorado.
While the Rockies haven’t made a splashy on-field signing like Chicago, they’ve been busy reshaping the front office in a way that could have long-term implications. The hiring of Paul DePodesta as President of Baseball Operations and Josh Byrnes as General Manager marks a significant shift in direction. These are two respected baseball minds with deep resumes, and their arrival suggests that ownership is finally ready to get serious about building a sustainable winner.
DePodesta, known for his analytical approach and innovation, and Byrnes, a seasoned executive with multiple stops around the league, won’t be stepping into the batter’s box-but their influence could be felt throughout the organization. Moves like these don’t happen without some level of commitment from ownership to invest in the future. Whether that means spending in free agency, overhauling player development, or both, it’s a sign that the Rockies are at least beginning to turn the page.
What’s still unclear is how aggressive Colorado plans to be in the short term. Chicago reportedly jumped into the Murakami sweepstakes late, capitalizing on a drop in asking price as his posting deadline approached. Could the Rockies be eyeing similar opportunities with other high-profile free agents?
It’s not out of the question. And if they are, there’s a blueprint to follow.
Murakami’s arrival in Chicago doesn’t just bring power to the lineup-it also elevates the young talent around him. Players like Kyle Teel, Colson Montgomery, and Chase Meidroth now have a proven bat to lean on, someone who can take pressure off and potentially accelerate their development. That kind of veteran presence can be transformative for a rebuilding club.
Colorado has a few intriguing young names of their own. Hunter Goodman, Tyler Freeman, Jordan Beck, and eventually Ethan Holliday form the early framework of what could be a competitive core. Add a proven slugger to the mix-someone like Cody Bellinger, for example-and suddenly you’re not just rebuilding, you’re building something fans can get behind.
Of course, Rockies fans are still feeling the sting of the Kris Bryant signing in 2022, a mega-deal that hasn’t come close to paying off. That might explain the team’s recent reluctance to wade into the deep end of the free-agent pool.
But every move carries risk. And sometimes, the reward is worth it-especially when you’re trying to climb out of a hole this deep.
So here’s the bottom line: the White Sox made a move that signals belief in their future. Now the Rockies have to decide if they’re ready to do the same.
Because while front office hires are a good start, hope doesn’t sell tickets or win games on its own. At some point, you’ve got to take a swing.
If Chicago can do it with Murakami, why not Colorado?