"The situation around Japanese infielder Munetaka Murakami turned out to be wildly interesting. Known as a slugger in his native country, Murakami was projected to receive a host of lucrative offers from multiple teams. As the offseason wore on, the market seemingly was far quieter around Murakami than many believed it would be a year prior. While the Los Angeles Dodgers were always associated with him in some capacity, it never really made sense based on the construction of the current roster."
"Out of seemingly nowhere, the Chicago White Sox won out with a two-year deal worth reportedly $34 million. This deal enables Murakami to perform without any real pressure or expectations - something that a young player could benefit from. In the process with the length of the deal being on the shorter end of things, Murakami can reenter the market in his prime with the hopes of garnering a bigger and better deal."
Munetaka Murakami entered the offseason as a highly regarded slugger expected to attract multiple lucrative offers, but interest proved quieter than anticipated. Los Angeles Dodgers interest existed but roster construction left no immediate role, and analytic concerns about adjusting to velocity plus an average glove reduced his market value. The Chicago White Sox signed Murakami to a two-year, $34 million deal that lowers short-term pressure and allows developmental breathing room. The short length allows Murakami to re-enter free agency in his prime. Los Angeles remains a plausible future suitor given its Japan connections, and Murakami projects as a third baseman who could shift to first base.
Read at Dodgers Nation
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