The Chicago White Sox appear interested in keeping Munetaka Murakami on the South Side beyond his current contract.
White Sox general manager Chris Getz revealed that the organization has already held conversations with Murakami about a potential long-term deal, offering fans an encouraging sign about the rookie slugger’s future.
According to comments shared by Foul Territory from Chris Getz’s appearance on the New York Post podcast with Jon Heyman and Joel Sherman, the White Sox have already discussed a potential long-term future with Murakami. Getz said, “We would love to have him long-term. It seems he has interest. We’ve had conversations, but we’ll leave it at that.”
Murakami, who signed a two-year, $34 million contract with Chicago during the offseason, is currently scheduled to reach free agency after the 2027 season. His first year in the majors has given the White Sox plenty of reasons to consider getting ahead of that timeline.
The 26-year-old has played in 98 games and entered Friday hitting .219 with 29 home runs, 58 RBIs and an .859 OPS. He has also drawn 74 walks, helping offset the high strikeout totals that have been part of his adjustment to Major League pitching.
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Murakami’s production is even more notable considering he missed six weeks earlier this season with a Grade 2 right hamstring strain. He returned to the lineup in July and quickly resumed being one of Chicago’s most dangerous power threats.
Getz’s latest comments don’t mean an extension is close, but they do confirm that the conversation has already started. For White Sox fans, that alone is an encouraging development.
With Murakami eligible for free agency after next season, Chicago has an opportunity to secure one of the key pieces of its resurgence before he ever reaches the open market.
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