Coming off a historically awful season in 2024 (41-121), the Chicago White Sox improved their record by 19 games in 2025 (60-102) and will try to continue to get better in 2026.
The White Sox have a young core forming heading into 2026, led by shortstop Colson Montgomery, but need to supplement him and the others with veterans and outside talent to upgrade their lineup and make them more competitive. The White Sox could look toward the Japanese market, with MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand reporting that the White Sox are one of the teams engaged in contract talks with third/first baseman Munetaka Murakami.
Murakami’s posting window to sign with a major league club ends on Monday, Dec. 22, at 5 p.m. Eastern Time. Known for his power (hitting 56 home runs in 2022), Murakami would bring big-time power to a White Sox lineup that has been lacking it (28th in slugging percentage, .373). However, Murakami does strike out a ton, striking out over 180 times in two seasons (2019 & 2024).
Overall in 2025, Murakami batted .286 with an OPS of 1.051 (career high) and hit 24 home runs while driving in 52 RBI.