Per Passan: White Sox sign Munetaka Murakami 2 years 34M

[Squirmin' for Yermin]

It’s a 2 year deal and that’s all. If he’s great, you offer him a QO if he’s not traded. 

[nrockway]

2 minutes ago, Bob Sacamano said:

Did he get a QO? No QO guys.

https://nesn.com/2025/11/how-lucas-giolito-reacted-to-red-soxs-free-agency-decision/

Quote

Some uncertainty persisted over whether the Red Sox would extend the qualifying offer, which would have given them a chance to receive a compensatory draft pick if Giolito rejected it and signed with another team. Giolito, however, said on the “Baseball Isn’t Boring” podcast that he wasn’t surprised by Boston’s choice.

“I wasn’t, like, banking on it,” Giolito said. “I was pretty sure I wasn’t gonna get it.”

 

[Chicago White Sox]

27 minutes ago, Timmy U said:

Now hold on to Robert. Sticking him between Colson and Murakami gonna make him dangerous.

This should be the lineup to start the season.  For a team with zero expectations of competing next year, this lineup could actually be pretty good.  A LF upgrade would certainly help though as Benintendi isn’t going to crack 1 fWAR if we have to run him out in the field, but hopefully a Braden promotion eventually helps some that indirectly.

1. Meidroth, SS
2. Teel, CA*
3. Montgomery, SS*
4. Robert, CF
5. Murakami, 1B*
6. Vargas, 3B
7. Benintendi, LF*
8. Quero, DH#
9. Baldwin, RF#

[TheBooneLoganEra]

1 minute ago, Chicago White Sox said:

This should be the lineup to start the season.  For a team with zero expectations of competing next year, this lineup could actually be pretty good.  A LF upgrade would certainly help though as Benintendi isn’t going to crack 1 fWAR if we have to run him out in the field, but hopefully a Braden promotion eventually helps some that indirectly.

1. Meidroth, SS
2. Teel, CA*
3. Montgomery, SS*
4. Robert, CF
5. Murakami, 1B*
6. Vargas, 3B
7. Benintendi, LF*
8. Quero, DH#
9. Baldwin, RF#

I really like that lineup when Braden joins in

[ChiSoxFanMike]

3 minutes ago, Chicago White Sox said:

This should be the lineup to start the season.  For a team with zero expectations of competing next year, this lineup could actually be pretty good.  A LF upgrade would certainly help though as Benintendi isn’t going to crack 1 fWAR if we have to run him out in the field, but hopefully a Braden promotion eventually helps some that indirectly.

1. Meidroth, SS
2. Teel, CA*
3. Montgomery, SS*
4. Robert, CF
5. Murakami, 1B*
6. Vargas, 3B
7. Benintendi, LF*
8. Quero, DH#
9. Baldwin, RF#

2 shortstops is a bold choice

[chw42]

Just now, ChiSoxFanMike said:

2 shortstops is a bold choice

The asterisk is that he will play left shortstop. Meidroth will play right shortstop, also known as 2B. 

[Chicago White Sox]

31 minutes ago, Timmy U said:

1. Meidroth, 2b 2. Teel, c 3. Vargas, 3b 4. C. Montgomery 5. Robert, cf 6. Murakami, 1b 7. Benintendi, DH/lf 8. Baldwin, lf/rf 9. Pereira, rf/lf or Quero, DH

Or you could go Colson, Robert, Murakami 3,4,5 but I would wait to see how those guys do.

I lean 3/4/5 at the moment to give them a shot at more at-bats over the course of the season.  But having a #9 hitter who can get on base at a semi-high clip would be fantastic alongside Meidroth & Teel.  We are going to need guys on base all the time and just hope the Colson/Robert/Murakami trio runs into some non solo shots.

[southsider2k5]

23 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 call.

[Chicago White Sox]

35 minutes ago, WhiteSox2023 said:

@Chicago White Sox is the man and Getz is God.  🤣

But it sure looks like the market was less than enthused with this guy for whatever reason.  That is definitely not the contract that was expected.  Sucks that there is no arbitration after the first two years and he just becomes a free agent again.

He’s just too risky for a competitor that needs immediate production and safer 1B options exist.  It’s definitely the right move for a team like us who desperately need LH power, have a 1B opening, and can take on the contact without much concern.

[The CashMan]

7 minutes ago, TheBooneLoganEra said:

I really like that lineup when Braden joins in

I would put Sosa in RF and change his number to #21. 

[BigHurt3515]

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

[Ducksnort]

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

[WhiteSox2023]

Just now, Chicago White Sox said:

He’s just too risky for a competitor that needs immediate production and safer 1B options exist.  It’s definitely the right move for a team like us who desperately need LH power, have a 1B opening, and can take on the contact without much concern.

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.

[Chicago White Sox]

37 minutes ago, Eminor3rd said:

Ok so obviously I love this.  

This is a very high risk, high reward move —  but the upside is limited by the two year term. If he crushes, we’re more than likely going to see him traded in year two. Which is a bummer, but also good strategy all the same. If he busts, who cares. 

I’ve been following this guy his entire career. First base is absolutely where he belongs. He’s sneaky athletic for his size, but it does seem to be the type of thing where he hurts himself doing athletic things. The swing and miss is legitimately concerning, enough to sink him by itself — but both the power and plate discipline are legitimately double plus. He has at least a couple holes in his swing (sometimes up and in, sometimes up and out, sometimes middle in, sometimes low and away) but has proven his ability to make year-to-year adjustments to move them around. 

I’m not surprised at the low contract; this is a true feast or famine situation, and doing a prove-it deal could be best for both the player and the league. The ceiling here is Schwarber, the more realistic hope is Brent Rooker, but there are many more outcomes that look like Russel Branyan, Jack Cust, or like. You know. Dallas McPherson?

Still. My god, FINALLY a reason to watch this season. 

 

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.

[chw42]

1 minute ago, Ducksnort said:

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

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

[Capn12]

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.

[Chicago White Sox]

37 minutes ago, ChiSox59 said:

One thing I really love about this is it means they are committing to Vargas at 3B, hopefully, where he is a far more valuable player. 

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.

[WhiteSox2023]

1 minute ago, Chicago White Sox said:

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.

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

[Eminor3rd]

Just now, Chicago White Sox said:

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.

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. 

[PaleAleSox]

18 minutes ago, Chicago White Sox said:

This should be the lineup to start the season.  For a team with zero expectations of competing next year, this lineup could actually be pretty good.  A LF upgrade would certainly help though as Benintendi isn’t going to crack 1 fWAR if we have to run him out in the field, but hopefully a Braden promotion eventually helps some that indirectly.

1. Meidroth, SS
2. Teel, CA*
3. Montgomery, SS*
4. Robert, CF
5. Murakami, 1B*
6. Vargas, 3B
7. Benintendi, LF*
8. Quero, DH#
9. Baldwin, RF#

I still think they sign a right fielder. 

[caulfield12]

42 minutes ago, ChiSoxFanMike said:

f*** that. If he’s good, extend him.

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

[tjp1684]

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.

[Capn12]

Just now, caulfield12 said:

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

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

[chw42]

2 minutes ago, Eminor3rd said:

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. 

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? 

[Eminor3rd]

6 minutes ago, chw42 said:

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? 

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. 

Edited December 21 by Eminor3rd