The Chicago White Sox have stated their intentions.
They haven't had the best recent history, but on Sunday, they reached an agreement with Japanese slugger Munetaka Murakami on a free agent contract. It's not the kind of move you make if you're planning on continued struggles.
Nope, the White Sox hope to get back into the thick of things in the AL Central Division.
The deal, reported by ESPN's Jeff Passan, is for two years and $34 million.
On paper, it seems like an absolute bargain. There were some who expected Murakami to get a nine-figure contract. Clearly, this is nowhere near that.
His whole free agency was a bit odd. It was like there was no buzz about him whatsoever, and he had less than 48 hours to sign before his posting deadline by the time he had reached his agreement with the White Sox.
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This is reminiscent of the Jose Abreu signing for Chicago. They got him after he had been a star in Cuba, and that worked out great.
Murakami holds the NPB record for home runs in a single season by a Japanese born player, with 56 in 2022.
Reports this offseason have suggested that Murakami has 90-grade raw power, on a scale that only goes to 80.
Swing-and-miss in his game is the concern, but if Murakami can make contact even a little bit, he'll be an impact bat in the heart of the White Sox order.
On this current contract, he will create for himself the chance at a major payday in two years if he proves he can hit MLB pitching.
In the meantime, Murakami will try to mash in the Windy City.
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