Could White Sox extend Murakami? 'We've had some conversations,' says GM Getz
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Munetaka Murakami has been a sensation for the first-place White Sox since signing a two-year, $34 million contract with the club this offseason. Currently slated to be a free agent after the 2027 season, could the South Siders try to keep “Mune” around even longer?
In a podcast appearance with the New York Post, general manager Chris Getz indicated that could be the case.
“We would love to have him here long term,” Getz said of early extension talks. “It seems that he has interest, and we do as well. We've had some conversations, but we'll just leave it at that.”
Even after missing more than a month with a hamstring strain, Murakami has swatted 29 home runs in his first MLB season after starring in Japan for Nippon Professional Baseball’s Yakult Swallows. It may be difficult to get a jump on the market and extend the lefty-swinging first baseman/designated hitter, as he’s still just 26 years old and has proven he can handle Major League pitching.
But it seems as though Murakami has enjoyed playing in Chicago, much like White Sox fans have relished having him on the South Side. He’s powering the surprising White Stockings alongside a young corps that features fellow sluggers Miguel Vargas and Colson Montgomery.
“Feel like the White Sox, the fans, certainly the players, we've come alive,” Getz said. “We have. And [signing Murakami] was a huge, huge help in doing that.”
Murakami was primarily a third baseman in NPB but made the switch to first base in MLB because of defensive concerns. There were also questions about his offensive profile, as his undeniable power was matched with high swing-and-miss rates.
Those have played out in MLB, as he has first- and second-percentile rankings in whiff and strikeout rates. But Murakami has made up for them with an excellent 17.2% walk rate. That has all led to a strong .860 OPS in his rookie campaign, even as he’s hit just .199 since the All-Star break.
“He's one of the hardest workers that I've seen and been around on both sides of the ball. Great teammate. He really is,” Getz said. “Guys have just fallen in love with him, and I think he's really happy here. And we're happy to have him here.”