We are about one month into MLB free agency and there have been some significant moves around the league. However for the White Sox, that hasn't been the case, as outside of the signing of starting pitcher Anthony Kay, they have been very quiet. The White Sox have never been the team to splurge in free agency, but with ownership changing tides, that could soon change, and this year could be a step in a new direction.
The White Sox could be in the market for a big hitter, as they are in need of at least one more middle of the order bat, preferably at first base or in the outfield. The White Sox have been linked to many players, but a specific name has popped up recently, one that would be a monumental signing if it came to fruition.
According to David Schoenfield of ESPN, he predicts that the White Sox will sign international superstar infielder Munetaka Murakami. This would be a franchise altering signing, as he is one of the best hitters to come out of Japan in a very long time.
In Schoenfield's article, he predicts that the deal will be in the range of five years, 80 million dollars. While that would be the most expensive contract ever given out by the White Sox, it is only five more million than what they paid Andrew Benintendi over the same amount of time. If this is the projection, I see the White Sox firmly being in the race.
This signing would make a ton of sense, as the White Sox have been trying to get more involved in the market in Japan and Korea, as they already signed Anthony Kay out of the Nippon Professional Baseball League in Japan this offseason.
Murakami would be a huge addition to the White Sox lineup, as he had an MVP caliber year in Japan in 2025. In his age 25 season, he hit .286 with 24 homeruns and 52 RBIs in just 69 games. Those are elite power numbers in a limited amount of time. He also had a .392 OBP and a very impressive 1.051 OPS.
Munetaka Murakami between 2021-2024 in the Japan Central League:
— MetsMuse (@MetsMuse) November 7, 2025
567 GP
.274 AVG
.967 OPS
159 HR
416 RBI
319 BB
How heavily should the Mets pursue him?
pic.twitter.com/XpotIT2WBv
There are concerns with his strikeout numbers, as he struck out 71 times last season compared to just 38 walks. In 2024, he struck out 180 times compared to 105 walks. However, with Murakami's power potential, you live with the strikeouts, as that is how the modern game has evolved over the last decade.
Murakami could fit right in at first or third, adding a 30+ homerun threat to the middle of the order, which would add significant protection to the young hitters in the lineup. While it is not guaranteed he will have the same production in the MLB, he is certainly worth the gamble, as he could become a star. Additionally, he has spent 8 years playing professional baseball in Japan and is only 26. Players like this don't hit the open market often, as he can grow with the current young core in Chicago.
Murakami will need to sign within the next week, as that is when his posting window closes. Since there hasn't been a ton of public news, I wouldn't rule out the White Sox making an under the radar pitch to try and get a potential superstar.
