White Sox agree to deal with Japanese record-breaking slugger: report

Murakami was hurt during the 2025 season. He hit 22 home runs in 56 games and had 265 home runs in 1,003 games. He's mostly known as a third baseman or first baseman defensively, but could end up as the White Sox's designated hitter.

The Murakami deal is among the first steps in Chicago rebuilding its roster following years of futility.

Chicago hasn't made the postseason since 2021 and hasn't been in contention to win the American League pennant since winning the World Series in 2005. Since then, The White Sox have only gotten as far as the American League Division Series. The team only has three postseason appearances since 2005 as well.

Last season, the White Sox won 60 games - an improvement over 41 wins in 2024.

Chicago has a few young players projected to be in its lineup going into 2026. Chase Meidroth, Colson Montgomery, Edgar Quero and Brooks Baldwin are under 25 years old and come with high expectations to help turn the team around.