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

Japan’s Munetaka Murakami’s signing window closes on Monday and teams have stepped up their interest in the free agent outfielder.

According to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand, the Chicago White Sox have become the latest team interested in the former NPB star. Feinsand reported that the White Sox are “among the teams currently 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 homers in 899 games over the past seven seasons, with a career-high 56 homers in 2022.

The White Sox desperately need power in their lineup, as Chicago hit just 165 homers last season. If Murakami doesn’t reach a deal by Monday at 5 p.m. ET, the infielder will return to NPB for another season.

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

The Pirates have reportedly prioritized adding power bats to the lineup to back up 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 shortstop Brandon Lowe from Rays to address hitting issue ahead of 2026 season

The Pirates’ quest for more bats this offseason comes after they finished last in runs, home runs and OPS in 2025. Pittsburgh traded for Brandon Lowe to address their outfield issues and add more power to the lineup.

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