I would still like to see 1 more bat added to be honest. I think there’s enough arms in the organization to eat innings, and the $ we are going to spend on a pitcher probably isn’t going to get any real difference maker. 
 

Get another viable bat at either 3B or RF and put a solid and exciting lineup out there. 

If Murakami wins ROY, do they get an extra draft pick? 

20 minutes ago, nrockway said:

I do think it’s notable that he could’ve signed this same deal with a better team in need of a 1b/DH type (Mets, Red Sox, Braves, Padres come to mind) or with plenty of other ‘rebuilding’/treadmilling teams, but our Sox came out on top for a  premier free agent. I was also thinking about how Ketel Marte’s no-trade clause didn’t apply to the White Sox and maybe the team’s reputation is out of the toilet compared to even two seasons ago when every former Sock couldn’t wait to trash talk the team’s culture. Even if Murakami-sama is a bust, I think it inspires confidence that the team can actually attract a free agent relative to other organizations. 

I mean, obviously a guy who just got 34 million isn't a premier free-agent. 

That said, great signing. No risk, payroll is in the dumps. Big upside. I'm personally skeptical of those contact rates translating to the big leagues but who gives a s%*#. 2 year deal, Sox have no one else. He'll be exciting, at least for a little while. Also really nice to see us get back into Asia more generally speaking.

++ move.

25 minutes ago, nrockway said:

I do think it’s notable that he could’ve signed this same deal with a better team in need of a 1b/DH type (Mets, Red Sox, Braves, Padres come to mind) or with plenty of other ‘rebuilding’/treadmilling teams, but our Sox came out on top for a  premier free agent. I was also thinking about how Ketel Marte’s no-trade clause didn’t apply to the White Sox and maybe the team’s reputation is out of the toilet compared to even two seasons ago when every former Sock couldn’t wait to trash talk the team’s culture. Even if Murakami-sama is a bust, I think it inspires confidence that the team can actually attract a free agent relative to other organizations. 

Players generally pick teams they think will try to trade for them, then the player has more control over their situation. They don't pick teams that won't trade for them. 

4 minutes ago, ChiSoxFanMike said:

If Murakami wins ROY, do they get an extra draft pick? 

He has to be ranked. 

6 minutes ago, ChiSoxFanMike said:

If Murakami wins ROY, do they get an extra draft pick? 

No

27 minutes ago, WhiteSox2023 said:

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

As currently constructed, I think a high leverage reliever is our biggest need.  Our expected W-L last year was 70-92, which is 10 games better than we actually finished.  Finish stronger in close games, see continued growth from the kids, and get some of the TJS-impacted arms back and we could surprise a bit next year IMO.

9 minutes ago, Look at Ray Ray Run said:

I mean, obviously a guy who just got 34 million isn't a premier free-agent. 

That said, great signing. No risk, payroll is in the dumps. Big upside. I'm personally skeptical of those contact rates translating to the big leagues but who gives a s%*#. 2 year deal, Sox have no one else. He'll be exciting, at least for a little while. Also really nice to see us get back into Asia more generally speaking.

++ move.

you have a bad attitude

2 minutes ago, nrockway said:

you have a bad attitude

But he’s right.

Sox will pay out over 40 million after the posting fee.

I don't see any need or urgency to dump the Sox depth like Quero or Sosa.  They are still young players and quality depth is important; having good depth is major upgrade from the last 2 seasons.  Mead on this team is just silly (still have no idea why Sox protected him).   If they must trade, please do so with full diligence: no more mediocre middle relievers and please stop trading for org guys.

Awesome. 2 years is shorter risk for JR and helps the player prove his value for the market.

I'm assuming we are out of the running for O'Hearn now?

Contract details here:

https://www.foxsports.com/articles/mlb/white-sox-add-munetaka-murakami-with-34-million-2year-contract

Murakami gets a $1 million signing bonus payable within 30 days and salaries of $16 million next year and $17 million in 2027.

His 2027 salary can escalate based on awards earned in 2026: $1 million winning an MVP award, $500,000 for finishing second or third in the voting, $250,000 for fourth through 10th and $250,000 for Rookie of the Year.

He can't be assigned to the minor leagues without his consent and will be a free agent at the end of the contract. He also gets a team-provided interpreter and flight reimbursement between Japan and the U.S.

The White Sox owe a posting fee of $6,575,000 to Yakult, Murakami's Central League team. The Swallows also would receive a supplemental fee of 15% of any triggered escalators.

4 minutes ago, SoCalChiSox said:

Awesome. 2 years is shorter risk for JR and helps the player prove his value for the market.

I'm assuming we are out of the running for O'Hearn now?

That would be my guess, but he also plays RF, so maybe. 

25 minutes ago, WestEddy said:

He has to be ranked. 

Correct, but he could get ranked when they update. I imagine he will due to name recognition/contract alone. Abreu was ranked after he signed. 

Nice gamble, although it does make you pause thar the price is that low especially with the 2027 season up in the air. At the very least, you know if he hits it it could and probably will go 

21 minutes ago, WhiteSox2023 said:

But he’s right.

The Red Sox probably woulda liked him on the same contract. He was a sought after dude, just maybe not for $180mil. I wouldn’t have wanted him on a Benintendi contract. 

Quote

I anticipate There being a lot of moves here coming up. Just like there will be across the league, knowing there is so much time. But at the same time, we are really excited about the group we have."

Get ready boys, because I read the tea leaves again and discovered "Tucker too"

9 minutes ago, WestEddy said:

That would be my guess, but he also plays RF, so maybe. 

O Hearn might be a better hitter than this guy ultimately,  but as a Sox fan, Id much rather have the bigger gamble at this stage.

This certainly is fun. I do wish they took more of a gamble and went with a little longer deal, because it's going to be hard to retain him if he ends up as good as some people think. Should be fun to watch him regardless. Nice to see the Sox break the mold and beat the rest of the league.

This is so unexpected, I'm hardly sure how to act honestly. Just not a move that happens, IMO, without the current secondary (to be primary) ownership in place. Maybe I'm wrong, but history says I'm not.

 

I love it!

Official

38 minutes ago, WhiteSox2023 said:

Contract details here:

https://www.foxsports.com/articles/mlb/white-sox-add-munetaka-murakami-with-34-million-2year-contract

 

Free agent after two years.  Does that mean they agreed to no qualifying offer?

Wish they could have had a option year or two though don't know how that figures into posting fee or 15% if exercised?

Will wear #5