Earlier this winter, the Chicago White Sox acquired Munetaka Murakami. The Japanese slugger, whose arrival in the MLB had been anticipated for years, was a polarizing player who failed to generate much buzz.
So he was forced to sign a short-term contract… and to everyone's surprise, he did so with the White Sox.
And the White Sox appear to be warming to big-time free agents, with reports out of Japan saying they have a new one in their sights: Tatsuya Imai.
In fact, the White Sox are in the thick of the race along with the Yankees and Phillies.
And it's no surprise that Murakami's signing will play a role in all of this.
Yahoo Japan Context on RHP Tatsuya Imai:#WhiteSox become a strong candidate with #Yankees & #Phyllis
Chicago is viewed as a starting-level ace player.
Concluding shorter deals for a period of about 3 years.
Recent investments in Japan with Munetaka Murakami were positively assessed in negotiations https://t.co/geSnmSSVfR pic.twitter.com/Oqf1z9pMRo
– Adrian White (@AdrianWhiteSox) December 30, 2025
Note that the White Sox, who see Imai as a top-notch pitcher, are trying to find a way to negotiate a short-term contract with Imai. It worked with Murakami, and Imai doesn't have a huge market.
For the White Sox, signing Imai would be the club's offseason dream come true. With expenses out of pocket, signing two big names would be a real coup for a team that has been dipping their toes in the water for years.
And it's clearly inspiring other teams, too: According to Jon Heyman, Kazuma Okamoto is a viable option for… the Pittsburgh Pirates.
They want to get through this winter too, not least to keep Paul Skeens happy.
“Okamoto is a definite opportunity for pirates”
Jon Heyman via @BRWalkoff
Cross the finish line. pic.twitter.com/yGj8fhmb9A
– The Bucco Beat (@TheBuccoBeat) December 29, 2025
After years of major markets parting ways with major free agents, it's nice to see smaller clubs looking to get in on the action, too.
Of course it has to happen… but just seeing them running is a small victory.
This content was created using artificial intelligence.
