White Sox projected Opening Day lineup takes pressure off Munetaka Murakami

There has not been much to cheer about for Chicago White Sox fans over the last few years. After failing to be a contending team with the core of Dylan Cease, Eloy Jimenez, Yoan Moncada, Luis Robert Jr., and Tim Anderson, the club pulled the plug and started a rebuild. 

They have focused on their farm system, and fans saw a glimpse of the talent the team has in the minors. Colson Montgomery made his debut in July and hit home runs left and right. 

Add that to an impressive offseason where the White Sox were aggressive, filling holes with intriguing players, like coming to terms with Japanese slugger Munestaka Murakami, and fans are starting to get excited about this team. 

MORE: White Sox predicted to replace Luis Robert Jr.'s bat by signing $70 million three-time All-Star, three-time batting champ

White Sox projected Opening Day lineup takes pressure off Munetaka Murakami.

Murakami is expected to man first base for the White Sox in 2025. And since this is his first year playing in the MLB, it might be a good idea to give him some slack to start the new year. Batting him at the top of the lineup or in the cleanup spot right away may not be the best idea.

Bleacher Report's Joel Reuter believes the front office will be smart, predicting the White Sox to use Murakami in the five-hole. 

2B Chase Meidroth
C Kyle Teel
SS Colson Montgomery
3B Miguel Vargas
1B Munetaka Murakami (R)
DH Lenyn Sosa
LF Andrew Benintendi
CF Luisangel Acuna
RF Everson Pereira

Reuter also predicts Montgomery will hit third while Luisangel Acuna, one of the players the White Sox received from the Luis Robert Jr. trade, will replace him in center field. 

While this lineup may not be a contender, it should be far better than what the team put out last season. Things are starting to take shape for this team, and fans will finally be treated to some decent on-field talent for the upcoming season.

More MLB news:

• The new-look Cubs Opening Day lineup projection after the Alex Bregman blockbuster
• Diamondbacks predicted to sign 7x All-Star in latest lineup projection
• Orioles-Twins trade idea packages Joe Ryan and Cole Sands to Baltimore
• Proposed Diamondbacks trade lands them a four-time Gold Glove Award winner
• Giants-Cubs trade pitch ships Nico Hoerner to SF for a pair of prospects