White Sox named ‘perfect fit’ for All-Star slugger amid Munetaka Murakami news

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White Sox named ‘perfect fit’ for All-Star slugger amid Munetaka Murakami news

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Matthew Schmidt | Last updated May 31, 2026 10:14 AM ET

The Chicago White Sox have lost their top slugger for at least a month, as first baseman Munetaka Murakami will now be sidelined for four-to-six weeks due to a hamstring injury.

Not that it’s ever good to lose your best hitter, but the timing couldn’t be worse for the White Sox, who are making a serious push in the AL Central and don’t have a whole lot of lineup depth to make up for the injury.

Outside of Colson Montgomery and Miguel Vargas, Chicago doesn’t really have any threatening bats, so Murakami’s absence could result in the White Sox tumbling down the standings (although they did win their first game without him on Saturday).

You also have to wonder what this does to Chicago’s trade deadline plans. Will the White Sox be buyers? Or will they sell?

Well, Christopher Kline of FanSided seems to believe the South Siders will be on the hunt, naming them a top destination for Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran.

Chicago White Sox linked to Jarren Duran once again

May 30, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Boston Red Sox left fielder Jarren Duran (16) watches his ball after hitting a three run home run during the ninth inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn Images

Chicago has become a popular choice as a landing spot for Duran, who will almost surely be on the trade block between now and Aug. 3.

Kline was the latest to pitch the White Sox as a possible destination.

“Chicago could use some pop in the outfield. Rikuu Nishida is extremely fun and immensely likable, but he’s just not enough of a threat at the plate. Nor is Luisangel Acuña, despite all of Chris Getz’s offseason proselytizing. Meanwhile, the Andrew Benintendi era has reached its logical endpoint, at least insofar as needing to play him every day,” Kline wrote.

While Duran would certainly help the White Sox this season, he carries the added benefit of being under team control through 2028, so Chicago could have him for the next two-plus years if it decides to make a move for him now.

The 29-year-old has been struggling in 2026, owning a .217/.279/.396 slash line, but he has homered nine times with 32 RBI and has been coming on as of late.

Plus, Duran is just two years removed from finishing eighth in AL MVP voting and making an All-Star appearance after posting an .834 and a plus-23 DRS.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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