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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The Buccaneers taking Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq would signal a clear shift in how this offense plans to evolve post–Mike Evans. Sadiq isn’t just a traditional tight end—he brings athleticism and pass-catching upside that could help fill some of the production void left by Evans’ departure. While he won’t replicate Evans’ elite outside presence, he could become a matchup nightmare in the middle of the field and in the red zone. For a Buccaneers offense looking to retool, adding a versatile weapon like Sadiq could open up new layers in the passing game. It also gives quarterback Baker Mayfield a reliable safety valve, something that becomes even more critical without a dominant WR1. If developed correctly, this pick could quietly become one of the more impactful moves in reshaping Tampa Bay’s offensive identity.

#Kenyon #Sadiq #Buccaneers #pick #Bucs #Nation #Nations #community #mock #draft">Kenyon Sadiq goes to Buccaneers at pick No. 15 thanks to Bucs Nation in SB Nation’s community mock draft TE Kenyon Sadiq, OregonThe Buccaneers taking Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq would signal a clear shift in how this offense plans to evolve post–Mike Evans. Sadiq isn’t just a traditional tight end—he brings athleticism and pass-catching upside that could help fill some of the production void left by Evans’ departure. While he won’t replicate Evans’ elite outside presence, he could become a matchup nightmare in the middle of the field and in the red zone. For a Buccaneers offense looking to retool, adding a versatile weapon like Sadiq could open up new layers in the passing game. It also gives quarterback Baker Mayfield a reliable safety valve, something that becomes even more critical without a dominant WR1. If developed correctly, this pick could quietly become one of the more impactful moves in reshaping Tampa Bay’s offensive identity. #Kenyon #Sadiq #Buccaneers #pick #Bucs #Nation #Nations #community #mock #draft

Mohammedan Sporting Club secured its first point of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2025-26 season with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Odisha FC at the Kalinga Stadium on Friday.

Suhair VP gave the host the lead just before halftime, but Adison Singh’s close-range finish early in the second half ensured the points were shared.

Mohammedan remains at the bottom of the table with one point from eight matches, while Odisha FC moves to 12th with six points from seven outings.

The opening exchanges were cautious, with both sides looking to find rhythm in midfield. Odisha enjoyed spells of possession, while Mohammedan looked to threaten on the break, but clear-cut chances were few in the first quarter of the game.

The breakthrough arrived five minutes before the break, through a swift counter-attacking move. Isak Vanlalruatfela initiated the move from deep before linking up with midfielder Lalrinfela Khiangte, whose perfectly weighted through ball released Suhair down the left. The forward surged into the box and unleashed a powerful left-footed strike past Padam Chettri to give Odisha a 1-0 lead.

ALSO READ | ISL 2025-26: Chennaiyin FC battles past Sporting Club Delhi for first home win of season

Mohammedan nearly responded immediately, with Adison Singh forcing a save from Amrinder Singh just before the interval, as Odisha carried a slender advantage into half-time.

The visitor came out with renewed intent in the second half and created early opportunities. Lalremsanga Fanai and Mahitosh Roy both saw efforts go wide, with the latter missing a gilt-edged chance after a loose clearance from the Odisha goalkeeper.

Mohammedan’s persistence paid off in the 56th minute after Hira Mondal made an overlapping run down the right and delivered a low cross into the box, where Adison arrived at the perfect moment to guide the ball into the top corner, levelling the scores at 1-1.

The match opened up thereafter, with both sides pushing for a winner. Mohammedan looked dangerous on the counter, with Adison and Llangaihsaka combining well, while Odisha controlled possession and probed through Isak and Lalthathanga.

Odisha came close to regaining the lead in the latter stages, with Rahim Ali almost capitalising on a goalkeeping error and Isak forcing a fine save from Padam Chettri with a curling effort. Carlos Delgado also went narrowly wide with a header from a set-piece.

The final whistle meant that Mohammedan earned its first point of the campaign, while Odisha was left to settle for a share of the spoils after a competitive encounter.

Published on Apr 17, 2026

#ISL #Mohammedan #secures #point #season #holding #Odisha #draw">ISL 2025-26: Mohammedan SC secures first point of season after holding Odisha FC to 1-1 draw Mohammedan Sporting Club secured its first point of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2025-26 season with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Odisha FC at the Kalinga Stadium on Friday.Suhair VP gave the host the lead just before halftime, but Adison Singh’s close-range finish early in the second half ensured the points were shared.Mohammedan remains at the bottom of the table with one point from eight matches, while Odisha FC moves to 12th with six points from seven outings.The opening exchanges were cautious, with both sides looking to find rhythm in midfield. Odisha enjoyed spells of possession, while Mohammedan looked to threaten on the break, but clear-cut chances were few in the first quarter of the game.The breakthrough arrived five minutes before the break, through a swift counter-attacking move. Isak Vanlalruatfela initiated the move from deep before linking up with midfielder Lalrinfela Khiangte, whose perfectly weighted through ball released Suhair down the left. The forward surged into the box and unleashed a powerful left-footed strike past Padam Chettri to give Odisha a 1-0 lead.ALSO READ | ISL 2025-26: Chennaiyin FC battles past Sporting Club Delhi for first home win of seasonMohammedan nearly responded immediately, with Adison Singh forcing a save from Amrinder Singh just before the interval, as Odisha carried a slender advantage into half-time.The visitor came out with renewed intent in the second half and created early opportunities. Lalremsanga Fanai and Mahitosh Roy both saw efforts go wide, with the latter missing a gilt-edged chance after a loose clearance from the Odisha goalkeeper.Mohammedan’s persistence paid off in the 56th minute after Hira Mondal made an overlapping run down the right and delivered a low cross into the box, where Adison arrived at the perfect moment to guide the ball into the top corner, levelling the scores at 1-1.The match opened up thereafter, with both sides pushing for a winner. Mohammedan looked dangerous on the counter, with Adison and Llangaihsaka combining well, while Odisha controlled possession and probed through Isak and Lalthathanga.Odisha came close to regaining the lead in the latter stages, with Rahim Ali almost capitalising on a goalkeeping error and Isak forcing a fine save from Padam Chettri with a curling effort. Carlos Delgado also went narrowly wide with a header from a set-piece.The final whistle meant that Mohammedan earned its first point of the campaign, while Odisha was left to settle for a share of the spoils after a competitive encounter.Published on Apr 17, 2026 #ISL #Mohammedan #secures #point #season #holding #Odisha #draw

ISL 2025-26: Chennaiyin FC battles past Sporting Club Delhi for first home win of season

Mohammedan nearly responded immediately, with Adison Singh forcing a save from Amrinder Singh just before the interval, as Odisha carried a slender advantage into half-time.

The visitor came out with renewed intent in the second half and created early opportunities. Lalremsanga Fanai and Mahitosh Roy both saw efforts go wide, with the latter missing a gilt-edged chance after a loose clearance from the Odisha goalkeeper.

Mohammedan’s persistence paid off in the 56th minute after Hira Mondal made an overlapping run down the right and delivered a low cross into the box, where Adison arrived at the perfect moment to guide the ball into the top corner, levelling the scores at 1-1.

The match opened up thereafter, with both sides pushing for a winner. Mohammedan looked dangerous on the counter, with Adison and Llangaihsaka combining well, while Odisha controlled possession and probed through Isak and Lalthathanga.

Odisha came close to regaining the lead in the latter stages, with Rahim Ali almost capitalising on a goalkeeping error and Isak forcing a fine save from Padam Chettri with a curling effort. Carlos Delgado also went narrowly wide with a header from a set-piece.

The final whistle meant that Mohammedan earned its first point of the campaign, while Odisha was left to settle for a share of the spoils after a competitive encounter.

Published on Apr 17, 2026

#ISL #Mohammedan #secures #point #season #holding #Odisha #draw">ISL 2025-26: Mohammedan SC secures first point of season after holding Odisha FC to 1-1 draw

Mohammedan Sporting Club secured its first point of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2025-26 season with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Odisha FC at the Kalinga Stadium on Friday.

Suhair VP gave the host the lead just before halftime, but Adison Singh’s close-range finish early in the second half ensured the points were shared.

Mohammedan remains at the bottom of the table with one point from eight matches, while Odisha FC moves to 12th with six points from seven outings.

The opening exchanges were cautious, with both sides looking to find rhythm in midfield. Odisha enjoyed spells of possession, while Mohammedan looked to threaten on the break, but clear-cut chances were few in the first quarter of the game.

The breakthrough arrived five minutes before the break, through a swift counter-attacking move. Isak Vanlalruatfela initiated the move from deep before linking up with midfielder Lalrinfela Khiangte, whose perfectly weighted through ball released Suhair down the left. The forward surged into the box and unleashed a powerful left-footed strike past Padam Chettri to give Odisha a 1-0 lead.

ALSO READ | ISL 2025-26: Chennaiyin FC battles past Sporting Club Delhi for first home win of season

Mohammedan nearly responded immediately, with Adison Singh forcing a save from Amrinder Singh just before the interval, as Odisha carried a slender advantage into half-time.

The visitor came out with renewed intent in the second half and created early opportunities. Lalremsanga Fanai and Mahitosh Roy both saw efforts go wide, with the latter missing a gilt-edged chance after a loose clearance from the Odisha goalkeeper.

Mohammedan’s persistence paid off in the 56th minute after Hira Mondal made an overlapping run down the right and delivered a low cross into the box, where Adison arrived at the perfect moment to guide the ball into the top corner, levelling the scores at 1-1.

The match opened up thereafter, with both sides pushing for a winner. Mohammedan looked dangerous on the counter, with Adison and Llangaihsaka combining well, while Odisha controlled possession and probed through Isak and Lalthathanga.

Odisha came close to regaining the lead in the latter stages, with Rahim Ali almost capitalising on a goalkeeping error and Isak forcing a fine save from Padam Chettri with a curling effort. Carlos Delgado also went narrowly wide with a header from a set-piece.

The final whistle meant that Mohammedan earned its first point of the campaign, while Odisha was left to settle for a share of the spoils after a competitive encounter.

Published on Apr 17, 2026

#ISL #Mohammedan #secures #point #season #holding #Odisha #draw
Deadspin | White Sox eager to halt woes in opener of road trip vs. A’s Apr 16, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago White Sox right fielder Everson Pereira (28) watches his solo home run against the Tampa Bay Rays during the eight inning at Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images The Chicago White Sox possess the worst record in the majors as they head out on a six-game road trip. The first three games will be against the Athletics, beginning Friday night in West Sacramento, Calif. Chicago has won just six of 19 games this season and has dropped eight of its past 10. The trip will conclude with three games against the Arizona Diamondbacks in Phoenix. The White Sox were outscored 21-11 while being swept in a three-game home set by the Tampa Bay Rays, ending with Thursday’s 5-3 setback. “We haven’t had a ton to show for it, but hitting the ball hard,” White Sox manager Will Venable said after the latest loss. “Too much on the ground or at guys. They made a ton of plays, but stringing some good things for the offense. “Still just missing that big hit and putting some of these crooked numbers up there. Have to keep going.” Chicago has scored three runs or less 13 times this season and has the second-fewest runs in the majors (60). Only the San Francisco Giants (58) have fewer. Among players with at least 30 at-bats, Chase Meidroth is the club’s leading hitter at a meager .222. Former Japanese star Munetaka Murakami has five homers through 19 games in the majors but is batting just .167 with 26 strikeouts in 60 at-bats. Catcher Edgar Quero said he thinks it’s just a matter of time before the White Sox get their attack moving. “Good contact makes you feel a little bit better and a little bit more confident,” he said. “Yeah, we are frustrated. We’ve been hitting the ball pretty well those three games (against Tampa Bay). “The last couple of games we’ve hit it pretty well. The ball is not going in the hole, but it’s part of the game, too. We need to keep fighting.” The Athletics have been faring well and have won seven of their past nine games, counting Thursday’s 9-6 home loss to the Texas Rangers. The Athletics had taken a one-run lead on Nick Kurtz’s wind-blown, three-run double with two outs in the bottom of the eighth inning before Texas scored four in the ninth. In the seventh inning, the heavy wind gusts turned Josh Jung’s fly to right into a two-run homer for the Rangers. “Probably one of the more difficult games that I’ve been a part of in terms of the elements,” said Athletics fifth-year manager Mark Kotsay, who played 17 seasons in the majors. The disappointing ninth-inning collapse gave the A’s a four-game split with the Rangers. “I think we’ll be OK,” said A’s left-hander Jacob Lopez, who gave up two runs in five innings on Thursday. “This team has a lot of heart, as you’ve seen based on the times when myself or the rest of the staff, they give up some runs and the offense picks up right away. But it’s a long season and we’ve got a good team.” Right-hander Aaron Civale (2-0, 1.72 ERA) will start for the Athletics on Friday. Civale, 30, beat the New York Mets on Sunday when he allowed four hits in 5 2/3 scoreless innings in a 1-0 triumph. Civale is 5-4 with a 4.82 ERA in 12 career outings against the White Sox. Andrew Benintendi is 5-for-13 with two homers off him. Right-hander Davis Martin (2-1, 2.50 ERA) will take the mound for Chicago. Martin, 29, most recently lost to the Kansas City Royals 2-0 last Friday, allowing two runs and seven hits over seven innings. Martin is 0-1 with a 2.61 ERA in four career appearances (two starts) against the A’s. Lawrence Butler (2-for-8) has homered off him. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #White #Sox #eager #halt #woes #opener #road #tripApr 16, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago White Sox right fielder Everson Pereira (28) watches his solo home run against the Tampa Bay Rays during the eight inning at Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

The Chicago White Sox possess the worst record in the majors as they head out on a six-game road trip.

The first three games will be against the Athletics, beginning Friday night in West Sacramento, Calif.

Chicago has won just six of 19 games this season and has dropped eight of its past 10. The trip will conclude with three games against the Arizona Diamondbacks in Phoenix.

The White Sox were outscored 21-11 while being swept in a three-game home set by the Tampa Bay Rays, ending with Thursday’s 5-3 setback.

“We haven’t had a ton to show for it, but hitting the ball hard,” White Sox manager Will Venable said after the latest loss. “Too much on the ground or at guys. They made a ton of plays, but stringing some good things for the offense.

“Still just missing that big hit and putting some of these crooked numbers up there. Have to keep going.”

Chicago has scored three runs or less 13 times this season and has the second-fewest runs in the majors (60). Only the San Francisco Giants (58) have fewer.

Among players with at least 30 at-bats, Chase Meidroth is the club’s leading hitter at a meager .222. Former Japanese star Munetaka Murakami has five homers through 19 games in the majors but is batting just .167 with 26 strikeouts in 60 at-bats.

Catcher Edgar Quero said he thinks it’s just a matter of time before the White Sox get their attack moving.

“Good contact makes you feel a little bit better and a little bit more confident,” he said. “Yeah, we are frustrated. We’ve been hitting the ball pretty well those three games (against Tampa Bay). “The last couple of games we’ve hit it pretty well. The ball is not going in the hole, but it’s part of the game, too. We need to keep fighting.”


The Athletics have been faring well and have won seven of their past nine games, counting Thursday’s 9-6 home loss to the Texas Rangers.

The Athletics had taken a one-run lead on Nick Kurtz’s wind-blown, three-run double with two outs in the bottom of the eighth inning before Texas scored four in the ninth.

In the seventh inning, the heavy wind gusts turned Josh Jung’s fly to right into a two-run homer for the Rangers.

“Probably one of the more difficult games that I’ve been a part of in terms of the elements,” said Athletics fifth-year manager Mark Kotsay, who played 17 seasons in the majors.

The disappointing ninth-inning collapse gave the A’s a four-game split with the Rangers.

“I think we’ll be OK,” said A’s left-hander Jacob Lopez, who gave up two runs in five innings on Thursday. “This team has a lot of heart, as you’ve seen based on the times when myself or the rest of the staff, they give up some runs and the offense picks up right away. But it’s a long season and we’ve got a good team.”

Right-hander Aaron Civale (2-0, 1.72 ERA) will start for the Athletics on Friday. Civale, 30, beat the New York Mets on Sunday when he allowed four hits in 5 2/3 scoreless innings in a 1-0 triumph.

Civale is 5-4 with a 4.82 ERA in 12 career outings against the White Sox. Andrew Benintendi is 5-for-13 with two homers off him.

Right-hander Davis Martin (2-1, 2.50 ERA) will take the mound for Chicago. Martin, 29, most recently lost to the Kansas City Royals 2-0 last Friday, allowing two runs and seven hits over seven innings.

Martin is 0-1 with a 2.61 ERA in four career appearances (two starts) against the A’s. Lawrence Butler (2-for-8) has homered off him.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #White #Sox #eager #halt #woes #opener #road #trip">Deadspin | White Sox eager to halt woes in opener of road trip vs. A’s Apr 16, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago White Sox right fielder Everson Pereira (28) watches his solo home run against the Tampa Bay Rays during the eight inning at Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images The Chicago White Sox possess the worst record in the majors as they head out on a six-game road trip. The first three games will be against the Athletics, beginning Friday night in West Sacramento, Calif. Chicago has won just six of 19 games this season and has dropped eight of its past 10. The trip will conclude with three games against the Arizona Diamondbacks in Phoenix. The White Sox were outscored 21-11 while being swept in a three-game home set by the Tampa Bay Rays, ending with Thursday’s 5-3 setback. “We haven’t had a ton to show for it, but hitting the ball hard,” White Sox manager Will Venable said after the latest loss. “Too much on the ground or at guys. They made a ton of plays, but stringing some good things for the offense. “Still just missing that big hit and putting some of these crooked numbers up there. Have to keep going.” Chicago has scored three runs or less 13 times this season and has the second-fewest runs in the majors (60). Only the San Francisco Giants (58) have fewer. Among players with at least 30 at-bats, Chase Meidroth is the club’s leading hitter at a meager .222. Former Japanese star Munetaka Murakami has five homers through 19 games in the majors but is batting just .167 with 26 strikeouts in 60 at-bats. Catcher Edgar Quero said he thinks it’s just a matter of time before the White Sox get their attack moving. “Good contact makes you feel a little bit better and a little bit more confident,” he said. “Yeah, we are frustrated. We’ve been hitting the ball pretty well those three games (against Tampa Bay). “The last couple of games we’ve hit it pretty well. The ball is not going in the hole, but it’s part of the game, too. We need to keep fighting.” The Athletics have been faring well and have won seven of their past nine games, counting Thursday’s 9-6 home loss to the Texas Rangers. The Athletics had taken a one-run lead on Nick Kurtz’s wind-blown, three-run double with two outs in the bottom of the eighth inning before Texas scored four in the ninth. In the seventh inning, the heavy wind gusts turned Josh Jung’s fly to right into a two-run homer for the Rangers. “Probably one of the more difficult games that I’ve been a part of in terms of the elements,” said Athletics fifth-year manager Mark Kotsay, who played 17 seasons in the majors. The disappointing ninth-inning collapse gave the A’s a four-game split with the Rangers. “I think we’ll be OK,” said A’s left-hander Jacob Lopez, who gave up two runs in five innings on Thursday. “This team has a lot of heart, as you’ve seen based on the times when myself or the rest of the staff, they give up some runs and the offense picks up right away. But it’s a long season and we’ve got a good team.” Right-hander Aaron Civale (2-0, 1.72 ERA) will start for the Athletics on Friday. Civale, 30, beat the New York Mets on Sunday when he allowed four hits in 5 2/3 scoreless innings in a 1-0 triumph. Civale is 5-4 with a 4.82 ERA in 12 career outings against the White Sox. Andrew Benintendi is 5-for-13 with two homers off him. Right-hander Davis Martin (2-1, 2.50 ERA) will take the mound for Chicago. Martin, 29, most recently lost to the Kansas City Royals 2-0 last Friday, allowing two runs and seven hits over seven innings. Martin is 0-1 with a 2.61 ERA in four career appearances (two starts) against the A’s. Lawrence Butler (2-for-8) has homered off him. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #White #Sox #eager #halt #woes #opener #road #trip

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