Chicago White Sox general manager Chris Getz suggested that early discussions with Munetaka Murakami regarding a possible extension have been positive.
"I think he's really happy here, and we're happy to have him here. We would love to have him here long term. It seems that he has interest, and we do as well," Getz told the New York Post's Joel Sherman and Jon Heyman on their podcast Wednesday. "We've had some conversations, but we'll just leave it at that."
Murakami, who joined the White Sox in December on a two-year, $34-million contract following eight seasons in Nippon Professional Baseball, has been one of the Chicago's best hitters in 2026. His .859 OPS in 352 at-bats ranks second on the team behind designated hitter Randal Grichuk and third baseman Miguel Vargas.
Despite missing over a month this summer with a strained hamstring, the 26-year-old has also crushed 29 home runs, tying him with Vargas for the most on the White Sox and the fifth most in the American League.
"In the meantime, hopefully he can help us get this season to a finish line, and we feel really good about our '26 season," Getz said.
Chicago, which finished last in the American League in 2025 with 60 wins, currently holds a 2.5-game lead over the Cleveland Guardians atop the AL Central.
