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Deadspin | White Sox make unexpected move, sign Japanese star Munetaka Murakami

Deadspin | White Sox make unexpected move, sign Japanese star Munetaka Murakami

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Sep 15, 2025; Tokyo, Japan; A Japanese fan waves a flag during World Athletics Championships at National Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Chicago White Sox, not expected to be key players in offseason free agency, are signing Japanese star Munetaka Murakami to a two-year, $34 million contract, ESPN reported Sunday.

The deadline for Murakami to sign after being posted by the Tokyo Yakult Swallows of Nippon Professional Baseball is 5 p.m. ET on Monday.

Murakami, 25, is an infielder and expected to play first base for Chicago. In the 2025 season, the left-handed power hitter blasted 22 homers in an injury-shortened (oblique) season.

In his career, Murakami has 265 home runs, 722 RBIs and an average of .273 in 1,003 career games, He hit a career-high 56 home runs in 2022, the most for a season in Japanese baseball history by a player born in Japan. The previous record was Japanese record holder Sadaharu Oh, who played 22 seasons with the Yomiuri Giants (1959-1980).

Oh hit 55 in 1964, his highest total ever.

Murakami’s free agency didn’t develop quite as expected, per ESPN. Worries about defense and his tendencies to strike out seemingly kept teams from entering a bidding war.

By signing a two-year deal, he can be a free agent again after the 2027 season, using his time with the White Sox as a chance to show his skills to the rest of MLB.

What he most will be looking to show is improved composure at the plate. His career strikeout percentage is 25.2% after 446 strikeouts in 1,068 innings pitched.

The White Sox lost 100 games in each of the past three seasons but are a team on the rise. They have the No. 1 pick in the draft in July and are expected to select UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky.

Trades of pitchers Garrett Crochet and Lucas Giolito yielded a crop of top prospects such as infielders Colson Montgomery and Chase Meidroth, and catchers Kyle Teel and Edgar Quero.

Perhaps Chicago could make an unexpected run in the AL Central and interest Murakami enough to sign a longer-term contract after the 2027 season.

Chicago’s total outlay to sign Murakami will be $40.575 million, with the Swallows receiving a $6.575 million posting fee from the White Sox.

–Field Level Media

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Effective immediately, the PGA TOUR and DP World Tour – through their own existing Strategic Alliance – will partner with the Asian Tour to help provide commercial and playing opportunities, also establishing pathways for the leading Asian Tour members, with playing rights starting from the 2027 DP World Tour season.

The DP World Tour will also return to co-sanctioning select tournaments with the Asian Tour from 2027. Full details of those events will be outlined when the DP World Tour’s schedule for next season is announced later this year.

The DP World Tour and Asian Tour previously had a Strategic Alliance from 2016 to 2021. That formalised a relationship which originally began in February 1999 when the Malaysian Open became the first tournament to be co-sanctioned by the two tours.

In total, 108 tournaments have been co-sanctioned, with a further 21 events tri-sanctioned with either the Sunshine Tour or PGA Tour of Australasia.

Cho Minn Thant, Commissioner and CEO of the Asian Tour, said: “We feel the time is now right to collaborate with the DP World Tour and PGA Tour to enhance the Asian Tour for our members, fans and partners. Bringing the three Tours together under one partnership will increase the bandwidth of the professional game in Asia. Not only will co-sanctioning events see our members competing regularly on the global stage, but we are excited to welcome players from the other Tours to our pinnacle events, which showcase the strength and diversity of golf in Asia.”

#Multiyear #partnership #announced #PGA #Tour #World #Tour #Asian #Tour">Multi-year partnership announced between PGA Tour, DP World Tour, Asian Tour Effective immediately, the PGA TOUR and DP World Tour – through their own existing Strategic Alliance – will partner with the Asian Tour to help provide commercial and playing opportunities, also establishing pathways for the leading Asian Tour members, with playing rights starting from the 2027 DP World Tour season.The DP World Tour will also return to co-sanctioning select tournaments with the Asian Tour from 2027. Full details of those events will be outlined when the DP World Tour’s schedule for next season is announced later this year.The DP World Tour and Asian Tour previously had a Strategic Alliance from 2016 to 2021. That formalised a relationship which originally began in February 1999 when the Malaysian Open became the first tournament to be co-sanctioned by the two tours.In total, 108 tournaments have been co-sanctioned, with a further 21 events tri-sanctioned with either the Sunshine Tour or PGA Tour of Australasia.Cho Minn Thant, Commissioner and CEO of the Asian Tour, said: “We feel the time is now right to collaborate with the DP World Tour and PGA Tour to enhance the Asian Tour for our members, fans and partners. Bringing the three Tours together under one partnership will increase the bandwidth of the professional game in Asia. Not only will co-sanctioning events see our members competing regularly on the global stage, but we are excited to welcome players from the other Tours to our pinnacle events, which showcase the strength and diversity of golf in Asia.” #Multiyear #partnership #announced #PGA #Tour #World #Tour #Asian #Tour

The president of the La Liga, Javier Tebas, accused FIFA of acting “irresponsibly” following the announcement of discussions regarding a possible 64-team World Cup in 2030, in an interview with an Italian sports daily published Tuesday.

Tebas also said that FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s time was “over”, telling La Gazzetta dello Sport that there is a “system that is fundamentally flawed”, which has allowed him to lead football’s global governing body for a decade.

“The football industry is not just about the World Cup, however important it may be,” he said.

“They are destroying the football industry — which generates tens of thousands of jobs — for an event that lasts 40 days and involves only a minority of players.”

ALSO READ: Football’s American Odyssey: How FIFA World Cup 2026 and United States consumed each other

At the World Cup opening ceremony in June, Infantino mentioned “discussions about expanding to 64 teams” for the World Cup’s centenary in 2030, which will be co-hosted primarily by Spain, Portugal and Morocco, with Paraguay, Uruguay and Argentina also welcoming some matches.

“We have repeatedly expressed our concerns about the competition calendar. And now they want to organise a 64-team World Cup,” Tebas added, emphasising that “it is the domestic leagues that keep this sport alive”.

“We need fewer national teams and better protection for domestic football at all levels. They don’t realise this and are making decisions irresponsibly,” Tebas added.

Published on Jul 21, 2026

#Liga #chief #Tebas #accuses #FIFA #destroying #football #industry">La Liga chief Tebas accuses FIFA of ‘destroying football industry’ The president of the La Liga, Javier Tebas, accused FIFA of acting “irresponsibly” following the announcement of discussions regarding a possible 64-team World Cup in 2030, in an interview with an Italian sports daily published Tuesday.Tebas also said that FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s time was “over”, telling La Gazzetta dello Sport that there is a “system that is fundamentally flawed”, which has allowed him to lead football’s global governing body for a decade.“The football industry is not just about the World Cup, however important it may be,” he said.“They are destroying the football industry — which generates tens of thousands of jobs — for an event that lasts 40 days and involves only a minority of players.”ALSO READ: Football’s American Odyssey: How FIFA World Cup 2026 and United States consumed each otherAt the World Cup opening ceremony in June, Infantino mentioned “discussions about expanding to 64 teams” for the World Cup’s centenary in 2030, which will be co-hosted primarily by Spain, Portugal and Morocco, with Paraguay, Uruguay and Argentina also welcoming some matches.“We have repeatedly expressed our concerns about the competition calendar. And now they want to organise a 64-team World Cup,” Tebas added, emphasising that “it is the domestic leagues that keep this sport alive”.“We need fewer national teams and better protection for domestic football at all levels. They don’t realise this and are making decisions irresponsibly,” Tebas added.Published on Jul 21, 2026 #Liga #chief #Tebas #accuses #FIFA #destroying #football #industry

Football’s American Odyssey: How FIFA World Cup 2026 and United States consumed each other

At the World Cup opening ceremony in June, Infantino mentioned “discussions about expanding to 64 teams” for the World Cup’s centenary in 2030, which will be co-hosted primarily by Spain, Portugal and Morocco, with Paraguay, Uruguay and Argentina also welcoming some matches.

“We have repeatedly expressed our concerns about the competition calendar. And now they want to organise a 64-team World Cup,” Tebas added, emphasising that “it is the domestic leagues that keep this sport alive”.

“We need fewer national teams and better protection for domestic football at all levels. They don’t realise this and are making decisions irresponsibly,” Tebas added.

Published on Jul 21, 2026

#Liga #chief #Tebas #accuses #FIFA #destroying #football #industry">La Liga chief Tebas accuses FIFA of ‘destroying football industry’

The president of the La Liga, Javier Tebas, accused FIFA of acting “irresponsibly” following the announcement of discussions regarding a possible 64-team World Cup in 2030, in an interview with an Italian sports daily published Tuesday.

Tebas also said that FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s time was “over”, telling La Gazzetta dello Sport that there is a “system that is fundamentally flawed”, which has allowed him to lead football’s global governing body for a decade.

“The football industry is not just about the World Cup, however important it may be,” he said.

“They are destroying the football industry — which generates tens of thousands of jobs — for an event that lasts 40 days and involves only a minority of players.”

ALSO READ: Football’s American Odyssey: How FIFA World Cup 2026 and United States consumed each other

At the World Cup opening ceremony in June, Infantino mentioned “discussions about expanding to 64 teams” for the World Cup’s centenary in 2030, which will be co-hosted primarily by Spain, Portugal and Morocco, with Paraguay, Uruguay and Argentina also welcoming some matches.

“We have repeatedly expressed our concerns about the competition calendar. And now they want to organise a 64-team World Cup,” Tebas added, emphasising that “it is the domestic leagues that keep this sport alive”.

“We need fewer national teams and better protection for domestic football at all levels. They don’t realise this and are making decisions irresponsibly,” Tebas added.

Published on Jul 21, 2026

#Liga #chief #Tebas #accuses #FIFA #destroying #football #industry
Deadspin | Mariners CF Julio Rodriguez ‘good’ after exiting vs. Reds Jul 19, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners center fielder Julio Rodriguez (44) runs the bases after a home run hit by Seattle Mariners second baseman Cole Young (2) (not pictured) during the seventh inning against the San Francisco Giants at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images Although he abruptly exited his third game back from the injured list on Monday, Seattle Mariners star outfielder Julio Rodriguez didn’t sustain an injury in their 8-0 home defeat of the Cincinnati Reds. Instead, it was simply what Mariners manager Dan Wilson deemed a precautionary move after Rodriguez was hit in the left leg by an errant throw while legging out a run-scoring infield single in the fifth inning. “He’s good,” Wilson said. “Julio busting down the line, got the ball off the leg. We kinda had to make a quick decision and just thought that it was the best moment there (to take him out) just coming off what he’s coming off of to get him out and see how he is tomorrow. … Kinda hit the bag hard and the ball hit him, and it was just a good moment there to make a decision to give him a minute.” Rodriguez hit a chopper between third and short that shortstop Elly De La Cruz backhanded. He double-clutched before making a throw that eluded first baseman Sal Stewart and struck Rodriguez. Rodriguez returned to the lineup Saturday after being on the 7-day concussion list since July 2 when he was hit in the back of the helmet by a throw while sliding into second base. He’s 2-for-11 with two RBIs in his first three games back. Wilson also shared postgame that Seattle infielder J.P. Crawford, who was scratched from the lineup shortly before Monday’s game, is day-to-day with wrist soreness –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Mariners #Julio #Rodriguez #good #exiting #RedsJul 19, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners center fielder Julio Rodriguez (44) runs the bases after a home run hit by Seattle Mariners second baseman Cole Young (2) (not pictured) during the seventh inning against the San Francisco Giants at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images

Although he abruptly exited his third game back from the injured list on Monday, Seattle Mariners star outfielder Julio Rodriguez didn’t sustain an injury in their 8-0 home defeat of the Cincinnati Reds.

Instead, it was simply what Mariners manager Dan Wilson deemed a precautionary move after Rodriguez was hit in the left leg by an errant throw while legging out a run-scoring infield single in the fifth inning.

“He’s good,” Wilson said. “Julio busting down the line, got the ball off the leg. We kinda had to make a quick decision and just thought that it was the best moment there (to take him out) just coming off what he’s coming off of to get him out and see how he is tomorrow. … Kinda hit the bag hard and the ball hit him, and it was just a good moment there to make a decision to give him a minute.”


Rodriguez hit a chopper between third and short that shortstop Elly De La Cruz backhanded. He double-clutched before making a throw that eluded first baseman Sal Stewart and struck Rodriguez.

Rodriguez returned to the lineup Saturday after being on the 7-day concussion list since July 2 when he was hit in the back of the helmet by a throw while sliding into second base. He’s 2-for-11 with two RBIs in his first three games back.

Wilson also shared postgame that Seattle infielder J.P. Crawford, who was scratched from the lineup shortly before Monday’s game, is day-to-day with wrist soreness

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Mariners #Julio #Rodriguez #good #exiting #Reds">Deadspin | Mariners CF Julio Rodriguez ‘good’ after exiting vs. Reds Jul 19, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners center fielder Julio Rodriguez (44) runs the bases after a home run hit by Seattle Mariners second baseman Cole Young (2) (not pictured) during the seventh inning against the San Francisco Giants at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images Although he abruptly exited his third game back from the injured list on Monday, Seattle Mariners star outfielder Julio Rodriguez didn’t sustain an injury in their 8-0 home defeat of the Cincinnati Reds. Instead, it was simply what Mariners manager Dan Wilson deemed a precautionary move after Rodriguez was hit in the left leg by an errant throw while legging out a run-scoring infield single in the fifth inning. “He’s good,” Wilson said. “Julio busting down the line, got the ball off the leg. We kinda had to make a quick decision and just thought that it was the best moment there (to take him out) just coming off what he’s coming off of to get him out and see how he is tomorrow. … Kinda hit the bag hard and the ball hit him, and it was just a good moment there to make a decision to give him a minute.” Rodriguez hit a chopper between third and short that shortstop Elly De La Cruz backhanded. He double-clutched before making a throw that eluded first baseman Sal Stewart and struck Rodriguez. Rodriguez returned to the lineup Saturday after being on the 7-day concussion list since July 2 when he was hit in the back of the helmet by a throw while sliding into second base. He’s 2-for-11 with two RBIs in his first three games back. Wilson also shared postgame that Seattle infielder J.P. Crawford, who was scratched from the lineup shortly before Monday’s game, is day-to-day with wrist soreness –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Mariners #Julio #Rodriguez #good #exiting #Reds

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