White Sox heat up Munetaka Murakami sweepstakes; Pirates desperate for another ‘proven bat’ after Brandon Lowe

Japan’s Munetaka Murakami’s signing window is set to close Monday and teams have increased their interest in the free agent infielder.

According to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, the Chicago White Sox have become the latest team to show interest in the former NPB star. Feinsand reported that the White Sox are “among the teams currently engaged in talks” with the Japanese free agent.

Murakami hit .286/.392/.659 with 24 home runs and a 1.051 OPS in 69 games for Yakult in the NPN last season. He has hit 247 home runs in 899 games over the past seven seasons, with a career-high 56 home runs in 2022.

The White Sox desperately need power in their lineup as Chicago only hit 165 home runs last season. If Murakami fails to reach a deal by Monday at 5 p.m. ET, the infielder will return to NPB for another season.

Meanwhile, the Pittsburgh Pirates this week added second baseman Brandon Lowe, outfielder Jake Mangum and left-handed pitcher Mason Montgomery.

The Pirates have reportedly prioritized adding power bats to the lineup to support reigning NL Cy Young winner Paul Skenes. According to Colin Beazley of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the Pirates hope to add another “proven bat” this offseason.

Pirates add All-Star slugger Brandon Lowe from Rays to solve hitting problem ahead of 2026 season

The Pirates’ search for more bats this offseason comes after finishing last in runs, home runs and OPS during the 2025 season. Pittsburgh traded for Brandon Lowe to address its infield issues and add more power to the lineup.

Lowe slashed .256/.307/.477 in 553 plate appearances in 2025, recording 31 home runs, the second-highest of his career. The move ends his eight-year tenure with the franchise, where he hit 157 home runs while hitting .247 with 446 RBIs.