The Pirates are targeting Kazuma Okamoto after fellow Japanese third baseman Munetaka Murakami signed with the White Sox.

The Chicago White Sox have reportedly popped up as a potential suitor for Japanese slugger Munetaka Murakami two days before his posting deadline.

Blackburn, 32, split last season between the Mets and the Yankees, compiling a 6.23 ERA (66 ERA+) and a 2.83 strikeout-to-walk ratio. He did make some arsenal tweaks with the Yankees, leaning more on his sinker and cutter, that could lead to better results in 2026.

Murakami has to sign his free agent contract by Monday at 5 p.m. ET. Japanese players get 30 days from the time they are posted to get a deal done. Murakami was posted earlier than his countrymates also attempting to come to MLB, so he's the first approaching such a deadline.

The latest MLB rumors highlight the Cubs' pursuit of Tatsuya Imai, a surprise in the Munetaka Murakami sweepstakes, and the New York Mets.