Autumn Dreamin

Yes. He could beat the current signing record by seven figures and still be well under slot.

Kona Takahashi has the same deadline as Imai, so there should be news on that front soon too.

Kay endorses the Imai pursuit (and gives Mune a Schwarber comp): Some other notes from the full episode: Directly cited Fedde's first year success here as a big consideration in signing, including the org having familiarity with the transition (back) to MLB from NBP. Mentioned the workload adjustment specifically (from ~110+ pitches once a week to a 5 day rotation). He said he's talked to "all the pitching guys" both before and since signing, and feels they are on the same page and "had everything [he] was looking for" Said adding a sinker is one of his major improvements he made, since it let him stay in the zone more in a league where guys don't chase/K as much.

It isn't too surprising when you factor in some regression to the mean in 1 run games + continued development, since they were around 70 expected wins last year.

FWIW, news of Imanaga's signing came out 3 days before his deadline. Imai is closer to his deadline than that (plus the additional factor of the holiday), so it really feels like something should be imminent.

If they sign Imai, do we get a Tokyo crosstown series in 2027?

But why would "Boras using the White Sox for leverage" come via Japanese media rather than more typical stateside sources?

Maybe they do actually bring Yo back

94 contact% and 3 SwStr% is crazy

A second OF acquisition has hit the Cincinnati Reds

...Huh?

Reinsdorf also got a preview of this with the Yuki Kawamura effect on Bulls posts

Relatedly, Rikuu Nishida has been involved hosting camps for Japanese players who want to pursue the college > draft route. Along with Mune, can't hurt to keep raising the Sox profile there.

Think he's going to be a fan favorite quickly

I think a lot of Chicago sports fans felt it start to move a little bit over the last few days

I also saw earlier that the Red Sox are reportedly out on Marte after the Contreras deal

25. Fernando Graterol, C, Venezuela Born: Oct. 9, 2008. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-1. Wt.: 175. Team: White Sox Graterol has a strong, broad-shouldered frame with more physical projection remaining. He already has some of the better raw power of any catcher in the 2026 international class and could grow into more once he’s physically mature. It could end up a power-over-hit profile with the potential to develop into a 20-plus home run hitter. Graterol has a strong arm, but he will need to make strides with his blocking and receiving to prove that he can stick behind the plate. 30. Sebastian Romero, OF, Venezuela Born: Sept. 4, 2008. B-T: L-L. Ht.: 6-2. Wt.: 175. Team: White Sox Romero has a lean, lively 6-foot-2 frame with advanced feel for hitting from the left side of the plate. It’s a sound, fluid swing with the ability to manipulate the barrel to square up pitches with good contact skills against live pitching. Romero has mostly doubles power now but with a lot of space left to fill out and potentially develop into a 20-plus home run hitter. He’s a good athlete and an above-average runner who moves around well in center field. From BA's top 30 preview. The rest of the top 100 should be out before the period opens