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It's nice to have highly motivated players for a change.

Chicks ding the long ball. There's a certain mystique about S.Oh and this guy. Guys like Hideki Matsui and Seiya Suzuki are very good or even great hitters, but not necessarily selling tickets or getting all the marketing deals. This opens up Chicago to the second most Japanese press covering a US city after LA and should make it much easier to sign Japanese players in the future. Maybe Roki Sasaki could get an extended run at starting for the Sox if he can't make it in LA and gets acquired.. Maybe OF Kensuke Kondoh would be willing to join the Sox next year. Or Tatsuya Imai to at least have the White Sox on his "due diligence" list. There's now a reason for James Fegan to get back a beat reporter job or a collaboration with the Japanese press. It also drives up the tv ratings, sponsorships/advertising and males it possible for Chicagoans to get more excited about a new owner/stadium. And it hardly breaks the bank. Plus, you get the QO or trade return in July 2027 or possibly Ishbia stepping in to invest in a long term deal if everything goes right...in order to maintain positive forward momentum. Not to mention White Sox hats and jerseys immediately fly up to Top 3 in Japan as well.

Hats off to the White Sox ... and to Munetaka Murakami.

Fun signing that comes at a lower AAV than Beni and falls off at same time. Well done.

I wonder if Ishbia would be willing to inject more money into the MLB payroll if it really did turn out that the Sox were a top FA or two away from competing in 2029 and JR hasn't handed over ownership yet at that point. Being able to hit the ground running with a highly competitive team when he finally does take over would probably be ideal for him.

I don’t think Fairbanks will be worth the money get gets. Would rather put that money toward another starter.

LOL! A contradiction on your part. Ever heard of HISTORY. Nice try,,,,,,,,,,,yawn! I will say it until I'm proven 100% wrong. It's what all budget teams do.

100% agree. And Venable did say he expected multiple moves happening soon. I still think Fairbanks is a real possibility. That being said, I do think they go cheaper with whatever vet starter they sign, although would love to be surprised there.

You always say that first line and it’s dumber each time.

these deals are always orchestrated to eventually make Birmingham better. I wouldn't expect miracles the 1st season. Learning pitchers is not overnight and will take at least a season.

Yes, definitely bigger than Seiya. Murakami’s home run chase was the biggest sports narrative of the year in Japan. Seiya was the golden child for Carp fans, but the Carp are an intense but very localized fanbase. Murakami plays in Tokyo, and even though the Swallows live under the shadow of Yomiuri, it’s a much bigger and more nationally relevant stage.

Does Murakami have a big following in Japan? I know he was insane 3 years ago but he's dropped off in recent years. Surely he's a bigger name than Seiya Suzuki right?

Which is 100% a positive, and what I'd want.

It’s worth it for the Sox because he can really pay off. He will be incentivized to put up good numbers for that next deal. I hope that he does show great play, and we’re looking at a new lead owner to get a good extension done.

That would really be up to Ishbia more than JR so close to 2029...

I still think they sign a right fielder.

I think you’re right, but I’ll also point out that this archetype is classic for a high-peak and early decline. On paper, being the team that trades him may be the wiser move than being the team to reward his breakout. As fan, I’ll be able to get behind either outcome, but it’ll be incredibly instructive to see how this leadership corp plays the hand.

It might not be for too long though, once the draft comes and someone gets some time in the minors.

100% agree. And I didn’t think his defense was bad there to start last season. Either way, the bat is better suited for 3B and this commits to that.

Thank you, Ishbia. I now have a reason to possibly hit Tampa and watch the Sox again next year! Too bad they aren't playing in Atlanta, but Tampa works.

I'm not religious...but it sure seems like Pope Leo isn't hurting our fortunes right now

I think we need to start operating with the mindset that Ishbia is our long-term owner. Yes, Jerry will continue to control things until the deal goes through, but it’s clear that Ishbia has gained significant influence as he’s accumulated shares and an agreed upon future controlling interest in the team. And in two years, that influence will only grow as his takeover date becomes closer and closer. If all goes well with Murakami and he’s happy in Chicago, I wouldn’t be surprised if they’re able to resign him.

Passan noted that some teams made longer-term contract offers at a lower AAV to try to get him on a steal of a contract but Murakami is banking on himself to perform and sign and large deal at age 28.

Holy s%*#! Yes! What a 12 hours to be a Chicago sports fan!

Excited we actually got a young guy who has some major upside. Little disappointed it is a 2 year deal, makes me think their plan is to flip him if he does really well. There is no way they give him a big contract in two years unless Jerry is finally gone