MLB Insider Buzz: White Sox heat up Munetaka Murakami sweepstakes; Pirates desperately seek another “proven bat” after Brandon Lowe

Japanese Munetaka Murakami's signing window is set to close on Monday and teams have amped up their interest in the free agent infielder.

According to MLB.com's Mark Feinsand, the Chicago White Sox have emerged as the latest team to be interested 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's hit 247 homers in 899 games over the last seven seasons, with his career-high 56 homers in 2022.

The White Sox are in desperate need of power in their lineup as Chicago managed just 165 home runs last season. If the Murakami fails to strike a deal by Monday at 5 p.m. ET, the infielder will return to the 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 powerful bats in the lineup to back 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 address hitting issue ahead of 2026 season

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

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

Edited by Chaitanya Prakash