23 minutes ago, fathom said:

Looks like he was in NYC

 

Saw someone say that’s where his agent is located, not sure if that’s true or not.

40 minutes ago, ChiSoxFanMike said:

Saw someone say that’s where his agent is located, not sure if that’s true or not.

Would make sense. Especially with the deadline being in a US timezone.

https://www.forbes.com/profile/casey-close/&sa=U&ved=2ahUKEwj2p5yblM6RAxX-LEQIHZcPJJEQFnoECAMQAg&usg=AOvVaw2zBqORyvd8EQu-7BGv4Sjp

Casey Close established himself on the baseball diamond for the Michigan Wolverines and in the minor leagues before venturing into athlete representation with IMG, later moving to CAA and, finally, Excel Sports Management. His clients at Excel include Clayton Kershaw, Cal Raleigh and Kyle Tucker.

"Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer met with Tucker's agent, Casey Close of Excel Sports Management, at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas on Wednesday, where team officials, league executives and player representatives filtered throughout the hotel and casino."

Edited December 21, 2025Dec 21 by caulfield12

"Late on Saturday night, MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand revealed that the Chicago White Sox are talking to Murakami right now. Feinsand also suggested that there are multiple teams talking to Murakami.

Not long after Feinsand’s post was published, MassLive’s Chris Cotillo arrived on the X scene and contributed a Red Sox update concerning not only Murakami, but also Kazuma Okamoto, another corner infielder and slugger from Japan.

But Murakami and Okamoto have been loosely linked to the Red Sox this offseason.

According to Cotillo’s sources, the Red Sox have “kicked the tires” on both players."

 

More confirmation of Feinsand/Merkin reporting...

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/25334981-mlb-rumors-munetaka-murakamis-free-agency-new-team-linked-landing-spot

https://www.chosun.com/english/sports-en/2025/12/21/6DTKYDSTLNFHFN5FCVMCS4QSSI/

South Korean news outlet rehashing everything through "Song-colored glasses"

Edited December 21, 2025Dec 21 by caulfield12

Now I’m starting to get excited…just a little. Hope Getz can close the deal. 

Let’s cap off that incredible Bears win by signing this dude. 

https://www.mlb.com/news/mlb-rumors-trades-and-signings?t=trades-and-transactions

"Dec. 20: White Sox 'engaged in talks' with Murakami (sources)

Munetaka Murakami is one of two star Japanese sluggers who have been posted for MLB clubs to negotiate with on a potential contract this offseason, the other being Kazuma Okamoto. Murakami's posting window is scheduled to close on Dec. 22, meaning a conclusion to his free agency is on the horizon. According to MLB.com's Mark Feinsand and Scott Merkin, the White Sox are among the teams "engaged in talks" with Murakami's camp as the deadline approaches.

The White Sox lost an MLB single-season record 121 games in 2024, though Chicago improved by 19 games last season. The club could definitely use some slug in the lineup after only one team -- the Pirates -- had a lower team slugging percentage last season than the White Sox's .373."

Murakami should be making his decision today.  Sung-mun Song’s posting window was supposed to end today at 4pm CST and news of him agreeing to a deal with the Padres came out about 2 1/2 days beforehand.  Given a deal has to be signed by 4pm tomorrow and there is always a lot of fine print that needs to be reviewed by legal teams, a deal needs to be agreed to in principle before the end of the day.

As such, we’re officially in the end game.  In just a few hours, we’re going to make up for past wrongs and land the Japanese Babe Ruth.  Dude is going to be hitting bombs on the South Side for years to come.  Get fucking amped bro’s.

23 minutes ago, Chicago White Sox said:

Murakami should be making his decision today.  Sung-mun Song’s posting window was supposed to end today at 4pm CST and news of him agreeing to a deal with the Padres came out about 2 1/2 days beforehand.  Given a deal has to be signed by 4pm tomorrow and there is always a lot of fine print that needs to be reviewed by legal teams, a deal needs to be agreed to in principle before the end of the day.

As such, we’re officially in the end game.  In just a few hours, we’re going to make up for past wrongs and land the Japanese Babe Ruth.  Dude is going to be hitting bombs on the South Side for years to come.  Get fucking amped bro’s.

Not so sure when Song was only 3/$13 and a utility player with much less fanfare surrounding him.

That said, many possible contract structures, opt outs, negotiations with Yakult about posting fees, etc.

Maybe 6-8 teams making final offers or quickly pivoting to Bregman Okamoto Bellinger and Bichette.

Would guess very late Sunday...but then you're running into all the NFL/fantasy news (or hangovers across Chicago after last night's drama).

Monday seems equally likely.

Or maybe an announcement Sunday of final 3 teams like Sasaki did and then an ultimate decision eventually trickling out Monday afternoon.

 

I am all for signing this guy (it's just Jerry's $) and admit I know next to nothing about him or really any NPB or KBO players. But after a quick glance at his NPB stats, I can't help but worry about his game translating to the bigs.

Edited December 21, 2025Dec 21 by ChiSox59

32 minutes ago, ChiSox59 said:

I am all for signing this guy (it's just Jerry's $) and admit I know next to nothing about him or really any KBO players. But after a quick glance at his KBO stats, I can't help but worry about his game translating to the bigs.

Yeah. I prefer him over Okamoto because of his age but Okamoto’s skill set (low k, high BB rates) I prefer. Just wish he hit left-handed and were a few years younger. There’s definitely good reason for concern but if a team that doesn’t want to spend money suddenly is interested due to a market that’s barely there, I feel confident he’s not getting anywhere near whatever he was projected to at the beginning of the offseason

Edited December 21, 2025Dec 21 by Bob Sacamano

27 minutes ago, ChiSox59 said:

I am all for signing this guy (it's just Jerry's $) and admit I know next to nothing about him or really any KBO players. But after a quick glance at his KBO stats, I can't help but worry about his game translating to the bigs.

If the bears can win against green Bay like they did last night, anything is possible. 

I’ll go crazy if we get him. I’m ready to get excited about baseball again. I hadn’t watched much the last few years because I can’t stand Jerry and was annoyed. But Getz is doing a damn fine job right now. Really hope he lands him. This would be a cool addition to the young core. We are due for our next Tad Iguchi

FWIW 

 

3 minutes ago, fathom said:

FWIW 

 

It's THIS part that makes me sit up in my chair....

He's followed by Morosi, Feinsand, Jason Parks, among other legit baseball reporters...

Cespedes Family BBQ just retweeted it too.... 🫨

Wooooowwww

It’s official

Well, they signed a guy

alright i'm an idiot

1 hour ago, ChiSox59 said:

I am all for signing this guy (it's just Jerry's $) and admit I know next to nothing about him or really any KBO players. But after a quick glance at his KBO stats, I can't help but worry about his game translating to the bigs.

2 years 34 Mil a risk you take ALL DAY

Wow what a 12 hours!

Good for the Sox. Very low risk involved in a deal like that. 

Haha. Sure.

@Chicago White Sox willed this one into existence. 

There are some red flags, but no reason not to take a shot at this amount.

Edited December 21, 2025Dec 21 by DirtySox

Title corrected so certain people don’t get all mad and upset