So Boyer was apparently back in Japan around the 22nd. Per translated reports, he spoke with Japanese media about Mune's great start and making the White Sox an attraction for Japanese visitors.

"In the future, we want to encourage people from Japan to come see White Sox games, and then consider how we can make their trip to Illinois, including Chicago, even more enjoyable. I want to connect the love for baseball that I witnessed firsthand during my two visits to Japan with watching White Sox games in Chicago, and also allow them to experience a great sense of awe in America itself. With this in mind, I have been working with the Illinois Office of Tourism to propose new experience plans to travel agencies and airlines."

Sounds like the Cubs will be involved too as a part of a broader effort to compete with the coasts for tourist attention.

"The biggest advantage of having two MLB teams in Chicago is that when tourists from Japan visit, there's almost always a game scheduled for one of the teams. Chicago has an environment where people can enjoy baseball and experience excitement, and on top of that, both teams have Japanese players."

There was also confirmation of a Mune bobblehead day (which went around Sox Twitter a little bit ago but don't think it was posted here) currently planned for July 25th when the Sox host the Astros. There will also be a WBC bobblehead variant on July 12th vs. the A's (last game before the ASB/HR Derby). May 12th vs. KC will be a Japan theme day with a T-shirt giveaway.

When asked about a possible extension, Boyer voiced his wish for Mune to be a Sox as long as possible and mentioned that involving him being sold on the team and city. Talked about his synergy with the rest of the young core.

Of course, he also noted that he's the marketing guy and roster decisions are ultimately up to the GM.

49 minutes ago, Autumn Dreamin said:

So Boyer was apparently back in Japan around the 22nd. Per translated reports, he spoke with Japanese media about Mune's great start and making the White Sox an attraction for Japanese visitors.

Sounds like the Cubs will be involved too as a part of a broader effort to compete with the coasts for tourist attention.

There was also confirmation of a Mune bobblehead day (which went around Sox Twitter a little bit ago but don't think it was posted here) currently planned for July 25th when the Sox host the Astros. There will also be a WBC bobblehead variant on July 12th vs. the A's (last game before the ASB/HR Derby). May 12th vs. KC will be a Japan theme day with a T-shirt giveaway.

When asked about a possible extension, Boyer voiced his wish for Mune to be a Sox as long as possible and mentioned that involving him being sold on the team and city. Talked about his synergy with the rest of the young core.

Of course, he also noted that he's the marketing guy and roster decisions are ultimately up to the GM.

He’s the marketing guy that Getz himself said had to help him convince Jerry to spend a $6.5 million posting fee and $38 million on Murakami.

7 hours ago, Autumn Dreamin said:

So Boyer was apparently back in Japan around the 22nd. Per translated reports, he spoke with Japanese media about Mune's great start and making the White Sox an attraction for Japanese visitors.

Sounds like the Cubs will be involved too as a part of a broader effort to compete with the coasts for tourist attention.

There was also confirmation of a Mune bobblehead day (which went around Sox Twitter a little bit ago but don't think it was posted here) currently planned for July 25th when the Sox host the Astros. There will also be a WBC bobblehead variant on July 12th vs. the A's (last game before the ASB/HR Derby). May 12th vs. KC will be a Japan theme day with a T-shirt giveaway.

When asked about a possible extension, Boyer voiced his wish for Mune to be a Sox as long as possible and mentioned that involving him being sold on the team and city. Talked about his synergy with the rest of the young core.

Of course, he also noted that he's the marketing guy and roster decisions are ultimately up to the GM.

Yeah, they're not trading him this season.

4 hours ago, WestEddy said:

Yeah, they're not trading him this season.

Munetaka Murakami, 1B, Chicago White Sox: Speaking of stars, Murakami was an unquestionable one in Japan, where he holds the single-season home run record for a Japan-born player. MLB teams worried about his propensity to swing and miss, and his free agent market over the winter cratered. The two-year, $34 million deal from Chicago was a stroke of brilliance, as Murakami's 12 home runs lead MLB and at some point in the next 15 months he could be the most valuable position-player trade chip in years.

Jeff Passan ESPN

4 hours ago, caulfield12 said:

Munetaka Murakami, 1B, Chicago White Sox: Speaking of stars, Murakami was an unquestionable one in Japan, where he holds the single-season home run record for a Japan-born player. MLB teams worried about his propensity to swing and miss, and his free agent market over the winter cratered. The two-year, $34 million deal from Chicago was a stroke of brilliance, as Murakami's 12 home runs lead MLB and at some point in the next 15 months he could be the most valuable position-player trade chip in years.

Jeff Passan ESPN

Here's another Passan listicle gem: (Good thing Getz didn't trade for this guy based on his prospect listicle ranking)

Early MLB takeaways: Bad big-money teams, ABS lessons, more - ESPN

Disappointment: Roman Anthony, Boston Red Sox

Was the hype too much, too soon? Perhaps, but all the indicators pointed to a superstar hitter in the making. I still think he'll get there, but the back issue that caused him to miss three games last week is a concern.

1 hour ago, WestEddy said:

Here's another Passan listicle gem: (Good thing Getz didn't trade for this guy based on his prospect listicle ranking)

Early MLB takeaways: Bad big-money teams, ABS lessons, more - ESPN

Disappointment: Roman Anthony, Boston Red Sox

Was the hype too much, too soon? Perhaps, but all the indicators pointed to a superstar hitter in the making. I still think he'll get there, but the back issue that caused him to miss three games last week is a concern.

Bregman was his key mentor.

Every scout in baseball would still take him over Mayer or Campbell.

Edited 23 hours ago23 hr by caulfield12

5 minutes ago, caulfield12 said:

Bregman was his key mentor.

Every scout in baseball would still take him over Mayer or Campbell.

Take him where? A movie?

I thought somebody here was arguing that baseball players are supposed to learn everything they need in the minors, and that's supplemented by the coaching staff. It's a complete failure if a player needs to be "mentored", or veterans are needed to "set the example".

But hey, ESPN wrote a listicle content article, so that means MLB will have to adjust win totals tonight to match the significance of that declaration.

Chuck talks to NBP reporter Yuri Karasawa about Mune and how his MLB success is being viewed in Japan. Some notes:

• There has been a visible uptick in Sox merch/fandom in Japan. Mune highlights get shown on the evening news.

• Karasawa says Mune looks noticeably happy/like a good fit here. Mentioned him looking down at times in NBP and Imai's struggles in Houston as contrasts to Mune smiling and fitting in quickly here.

• Mune always played with a more "MLB" style and has stuck with the same approach. He had reverse splits in Japan in the last 3 years, so maybe something left to unlock against LHP.

• Mune and Takatsu have a "special connection." Their "eras" with the Swallows are seen as overlapping, and Mune would have Takatsu join him during media/talk show appearances.

• Garfien says he'll be shocked if there's a trade this season.

48 minutes ago, Autumn Dreamin said:

Chuck talks to NBP reporter Yuri Karasawa about Mune and how his MLB success is being viewed in Japan. Some notes:

• There has been a visible uptick in Sox merch/fandom in Japan. Mune highlights get shown on the evening news.

• Karasawa says Mune looks noticeably happy/like a good fit here. Mentioned him looking down at times in NBP and Imai's struggles in Houston as contrasts to Mune smiling and fitting in quickly here.

• Mune always played with a more "MLB" style and has stuck with the same approach. He had reverse splits in Japan in the last 3 years, so maybe something left to unlock against LHP.

• Mune and Takatsu have a "special connection." Their "eras" with the Swallows are seen as overlapping, and Mune would have Takatsu join him during media/talk show appearances.

• Garfien says he'll be shocked if there's a trade this season.

Ooh I like that new nesting on the reply feature.

Anyways I'm autistic AF about trying to find Japanese media on him and yes the Sox do have a lot of new fans and interest in Japan. Youtube shorts has a lot of him if you search his name in Kanji. Many have said that they want to plan a trip to Chicago to see him but need a guarantee he will be in Chicago. If we had a smart owner I'd assume this would be no problem, but who knows.

19 minutes ago, chitownsportsfan said:

Ooh I like that new nesting on the reply feature.

Anyways I'm autistic AF about trying to find Japanese media on him and yes the Sox do have a lot of new fans and interest in Japan. Youtube shorts has a lot of him if you search his name in Kanji. Many have said that they want to plan a trip to Chicago to see him but need a guarantee he will be in Chicago. If we had a smart owner I'd assume this would be no problem, but who knows.

Even the Pirates' ownership these days would at least be having some preliminary discussions to flesh out a potential range of agreement if Mune were there (also pursued Okamoto).

(fwiw Skenes feels like a real long shot to extend until they demonstrate they can make the postseason first.)

Edited 21 hours ago21 hr by caulfield12

https://nypost.com/2026/05/01/sports/troubling-update-on-japanese-umpire-after-being-hit-with-bat-two-weeks-ago/

Never seen something like this before...npb Bay Stars

Jesse Rogers on ESPN Chicago said he's working on a Murakami story due out next week. Named Pirates, Angels, and Padres as teams that got deeper into talks with Mune/his team.

Doesn’t think he gets traded this season, but suggested any extension talks would come at the ASB at the earliest (and more likely after the season)

7 minutes ago, Autumn Dreamin said:

Jesse Rogers on ESPN Chicago said he's working on a Murakami story due out next week. Named Pirates, Angels, and Padres as teams that got deeper into talks with Mune/his team.

Doesn’t think he gets traded this season, but suggested any extension talks would come at the ASB at the earliest (and more likely after the season)

everything seems to indicate he won't be traded this season, which I think we all need as Sox fans. Offseason sure, but just let us have a semi enjoyable season for once.

On 4/28/2026 at 4:08 PM, WestEddy said:

Isn't he? I mean, if Mune is hitting 50 dongs a year, that's some rarified air.

Sometimes I wonder if youre an actual Sox fan. Mune's great and all but thats not even a sensible question.

1 hour ago, 46DidIt said:

Sometimes I wonder if youre an actual Sox fan. Mune's great and all but thats not even a sensible question.

You mean Mune isnt equal to a 1st ballot hall of famer and top 3 right-handed hitter of all time (for my money).

1 hour ago, 46DidIt said:

Sometimes I wonder if youre an actual Sox fan. Mune's great and all but thats not even a sensible question.

He fans like he is getting paid for it.

3 hours ago, Autumn Dreamin said:

Jesse Rogers on ESPN Chicago said he's working on a Murakami story due out next week. Named Pirates, Angels, and Padres as teams that got deeper into talks with Mune/his team.

Doesn’t think he gets traded this season, but suggested any extension talks would come at the ASB at the earliest (and more likely after the season)

What has been past practice in terms of labor disputes and players getting service time missed by a lockout/strike? I am sure this is something that is negotiated during the process...but does anyone recall the outcomes of past labor disputes concerning this issue? I feel like I recall players getting service time...that could factor into how long we get to enjoy Murakami. Maybe? I hope all of that stuff is worked out late summer/early fall!

4 minutes ago, BrittBurnsFan said:

What has been past practice in terms of labor disputes and players getting service time missed by a lockout/strike? I am sure this is something that is negotiated during the process...but does anyone recall the outcomes of past labor disputes concerning this issue? I feel like I recall players getting service time...that could factor into how long we get to enjoy Murakami. Maybe? I hope all of that stuff is worked out late summer/early fall!

Already negotiating (good sign) but 98% chance it goes into ST.

1 hour ago, 46DidIt said:

Sometimes I wonder if youre an actual Sox fan. Mune's great and all but thats not even a sensible question.

Hoo-ray for vague-posting!! Am I not a Sox fan because Mune isn't Frank Thomas, or am I not a Sox fan because I consider Mune an important fixture at 1B, going forward, who they can and should build around? Of course, Munetaka Murekami isn't Frank Thomas. As I said in my post, if the guy could just pull on his spikes and hit 50 HRs, that's valuable. Add to that the Japanese marketing potential and strengthening the pipeline to the Pacific Rim, and not trading Murakami looks like a no-brainer.

So to correct you, yes, it is a sensible question. Good talk, bro!

46 minutes ago, Look at Ray Ray Run said:

You mean Mune isnt equal to a 1st ballot hall of famer and top 3 right-handed hitter of all time (for my money).

It's funny that you think that Frank Thomas was in the Hall of Fame, already, as he played his first full season in the bigs, which was how I took the comparison. I guess that's why the few of you get so angry when people make comparisons between players. You don't understand baseball talk.

1 hour ago, WestEddy said:

It's funny that you think that Frank Thomas was in the Hall of Fame, already, as he played his first full season in the bigs, which was how I took the comparison. I guess that's why the few of you get so angry when people make comparisons between players. You don't understand baseball talk.

You can’t or shouldn’t compare guys like Bonds or Thomas right out of ncaa’s with someone playing pro baseball in Japan their entire adult life.

that said, Ichiro was credited with his npb numbers with HoF voting, Ohtani/Yamamoto and Mune will be as well

1 hour ago, BrittBurnsFan said:

What has been past practice in terms of labor disputes and players getting service time missed by a lockout/strike? I am sure this is something that is negotiated during the process...but does anyone recall the outcomes of past labor disputes concerning this issue? I feel like I recall players getting service time...that could factor into how long we get to enjoy Murakami. Maybe? I hope all of that stuff is worked out late summer/early fall!

After the labor impasse of 93/94 players were given service time for the missed days.

That's how they wound up losing Alex Fernandez:

December 9, 1996 - Pitcher Alex Fernandez signed a free agent deal with Florida. It was the culmination of misunderstandings and pettiness.

Sox ownership felt Fernandez was going to remain contractually bound to them for another season but that belief was torpedoed when the players union and the owners agreed to give players service time during the time missed in 1994 because of the labor impasse. Fernandez became a free agent and the Sox hastily made a late offer which was rebuffed.

He won 79 games in four full and three partial seasons with the club. Without him to anchor the rotation the Sox were forced to try to fill the void. The choice to do so, Jamie Navarro was a complete disaster.

Just now, Lip Man 1 said:

After the labor impasse of 93/94 players were given service time for the missed days.

That's how they wound up losing Alex Fernandez:

December 9, 1996 - Pitcher Alex Fernandez signed a free agent deal with Florida. It was the culmination of misunderstandings and pettiness.

Sox ownership felt Fernandez was going to remain contractually bound to them for another season but that belief was torpedoed when the players union and the owners agreed to give players service time during the time missed in 1994 because of the labor impasse. Fernandez became a free agent and the Sox hastily made a late offer which was rebuffed.

He won 79 games in four full and three partial seasons with the club. Without him to anchor the rotation the Sox were forced to try to fill the void. The choice to do so, Jamie Navarro was a complete disaster.

Shock…more bad faith negotiations due to animosity towards the players’ union/agents like Boras in general.

17 minutes ago, caulfield12 said:

You can’t or shouldn’t compare guys like Bonds or Thomas right out of ncaa’s with someone playing pro baseball in Japan their entire adult life.

that said, Ichiro was credited with his npb numbers with HoF voting, Ohtani/Yamamoto and Mune will be as well

Or you could just butt out and go make lists of 1980s era Twins players to giggle at. I'll make whatever comparisons I want, uneducated whiners be damned.