Hold onto Robert and Sosa now, try like hell to get off of Benintendi’s money 

Ok CHSN, you've got me back come Spring Training. 

37 minutes ago, fathom said:

FWIW 

 

And there it is…never a fucking doubt

3 minutes ago, ChiSox59 said:

Is he a straight free agent in 2 years or controllable via arb? 

I would imagine they still get a drat pick tied offer then, right?

Per NBC Sports:

”The White Sox are signing Munetaka Murakami to a two-year, $34 million contract.

Well, this is pretty clear confirmation that no team was especially high on Murakami. The 2022 Central League MVP is just 25 (26 in February) and he’s coming off a season in which he hit .273/.379/.663, but his soaring strikeout rate and questions about his defense scared off much of MLB. The White Sox really have nothing to lose here. They’ll probably plug him in at first base, with Miguel Vargas sticking at third. If he thrives, he’ll be great trade bait in July or potentially a key figure on a team that might be ready to compete in 2027.”

17 minutes ago, 46DidIt said:

I believe service time rules would still apply once the contract is up

This was my question? Do Sox still have him go through arbitration or is he a true UFA after)? Excited for this move though - love taking a shot here on a young international bat! 

5 minutes ago, 46DidIt said:

Dang. Seems kind of pointless then

If they get him right he can be resigned. 

1 minute ago, WhiteSox2023 said:

Per NBC Sports:

”The White Sox are signing Munetaka Murakami to a two-year, $34 million contract.

Well, this is pretty clear confirmation that no team was especially high on Murakami. The 2022 Central League MVP is just 25 (26 in February) and he’s coming off a season in which he hit .273/.379/.663, but his soaring strikeout rate and questions about his defense scared off much of MLB. The White Sox really have nothing to lose here. They’ll probably plug him in at first base, with Miguel Vargas sticking at third. If he thrives, he’ll be great trade bait in July or potentially a key figure on a team that might be ready to compete in 2027.”

Like that you highlighted the bad parts but not the good ones. Never change. 

1 minute ago, Chisoxfn said:

This was my question? Do Sox still have him go through arbitration or is he a true UFA after)? Excited for this move though - love taking a shot here on a young international bat! 

No arbitration.  True UFA.

3 minutes ago, PaleAleSox said:

Like that you highlighted the bad parts but not the good ones. Never change. 

It was pointing out why his salary was so low compared to the $80+ million estimates.  $34 million is way under the expectations.

Edited December 21, 2025Dec 21 by WhiteSox2023

They now have Beni, Murakami, and Robert coming off the books after 2027. The risk here is virtually nothing. At the very least, the Sox will have some Boom in the middle of their line up.

3 minutes ago, Chisoxfn said:

This was my question? Do Sox still have him go through arbitration or is he a true UFA after)? Excited for this move though - love taking a shot here on a young international bat! 

Nevermind. But can still make a qualifying offer after 2 years if he is good and or trade him. Or with new owner, if he’s great you sign him. And if this doesn’t work out…just 2 years m. 

9 minutes ago, 46DidIt said:

Dang. Seems kind of pointless then

They can at least trade him or offer him QO if they can’t extend him. This deal makes it so he can go to free agency at 27 though so doubt an extension will be on his mind.

This should be fun. Low downside, medium upside is how I look at it. $34M is chump change and not going to affect anything long term even if Murakami goes full 2011 Adam Dunn. Of course, if he's great, he's going to take off before the Sox have a real team. But that's a trade chip for you.

His manager in Japan was Shingo Takatsu, by the way. Maybe Mr. Zero put in a good word.

He’s not much more expensive than O’Hearn would have been with an incredible amount more of upside and flip potential.  There is no downside to this deal, as let’s be honest, they’ve wasted 17 mil a year on 3 veteran signings most offseasons.

31 minutes ago, fathom said:

I wish there was a team option for three and four, but if he’s that good, he’s an amazing trade chip.  This is super exciting 

Do we know how team control works?  Normally you’d get six year regardless of the original contract, but believe they can sign that away.  If so, do we have the ability to offer arbitration at least?

2 minutes ago, fathom said:

He’s not much more expensive than O’Hearn would have been with an incredible amount more of upside and flip potential.  There is no downside to this deal, as let’s be honest, they’ve wasted 17 mil a year on 3 veteran signings most offseasons.

Good point.  $17 million on potential is better than that same money spread amongst bum veterans.

26 minutes ago, Timmy U said:

Or short side of a platoon. He kilt lefties last year.

Yeah, he still has a role to play.  But harder to roster him if they plan to split the DH between Benintendi and the two catchers.

7 minutes ago, fathom said:

He’s not much more expensive than O’Hearn would have been with an incredible amount more of upside and flip potential.  There is no downside to this deal, as let’s be honest, they’ve wasted 17 mil a year on 3 veteran signings most offseasons.

This is how I'm thinking about it. Sure O'Hearn is safer, but the upside with Murakami is insane. I can't hate that they're trying here. 

Mead is very redundant. I’d probably try to package Sosa with Robert or Gilbert or another reliever to some hitting needy team.

Just wish our pitching was better. 

1 minute ago, Bob Sacamano said:

Just wish our pitching was better. 

Gio is coming home. 

3 minutes ago, PaleAleSox said:

Gio is coming home. 

Did he get a QO? No QO guys.

I wonder if they do sign Fairbanks now. A closer and another veteran starter and they could be a surprise team next season. 

3 minutes ago, Bob Sacamano said:

Just wish our pitching was better. 

Maybe this will force the team to actually spend some more money on a closer and starter. This doesn't align with our competitive window at all but you don't throw $41 mil and 2 years at this guy just to watch this team blow 20+ saves again.