Chicago White Sox completed the signing of Japanese slugger Munetaka Murakami to a two-year, $34 million contract just before the 5 p.m. ET Monday deadline, as previously reported. The move bolsters their rebuilding lineup with power potential, prompting trade talks involving outfielder Luis Robert for pitching depth.
The White Sox locked in 25-year-old Munetaka Murakami—known for his elite power, including a record 56 home runs in 2022 with the Yakult Swallows—before his posting window expired, allowing him to hit free agency again at 28 with MLB experience.
Despite ongoing concerns about his high strikeout rate (over 28% in recent NPB seasons) and likely shift to first base defensively, Murakami's youth fits the White Sox's rebuild. He projects as a left-handed impact bat, akin to a successful Eugenio Suárez or Kyle Schwarber outcome.
With the deal done, attention turns to roster tweaks: the White Sox are discussing trades of Luis Robert Jr., 28, who has averaged 1.4 WAR, 14 HR, 28 SB, and 85 OPS+ over the last two years. Contracted through 2026 (with a 2027 option), Robert draws interest from the Cincinnati Reds and New York Mets, per USA Today, as the White Sox seek pitching.
Fans of teams like the Arizona Diamondbacks lamented missing out on Murakami, but Chicago adds a high-upside slugger amid their ongoing adjustments.