Chicago White Sox 1B Munetaka Murakami addresses contract issue

Imagn Images

Chicago White Sox 1B Munetaka Murakami addresses contract issue

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Jordan Sigler | Last updated Jul 14, 2026 7:57 PM ET

The Chicago White Sox will soon have to worry about the contract for first baseman Munetaka Murakami.

The rookie has taken the MLB by storm, earning an All-Star appearance this season with a .232 batting average, 20 home runs, and 42 RBIs despite only playing in 60 games due to a hamstring issue that caused him to miss 35 games.

Murakami has been key reason why the White Sox are tied with the Cleveland Guardians for first place in the American League Central at the All-Star break with a 50-45 record, a dramatic turnaround after two disappointing campaigns in 2024 and 2025.

Murakami, a four-time All-Star in Nippon Professional Baseball, signed a two-year contract with the White Sox worth $34 million in December. He’s set to become a free agent after the 2027 season, and there is some concern in the South Side that a team like the Los Angeles Dodgers would love to pounce on the 26-year-old budding star.

Munetaka Murakami wants to stay with Chicago White Sox

May 4, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Chicago White Sox first baseman Munetaka Murakami (5) celebrates as he rounds the bases after hitting a two-run home run in the fourth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Per James Fegan of SoxMachine, Murakami said Tuesday that he wants to stay with Chicago past 2027, but he’s not worried about signing a contract extension in the immediate future.

“All-Star first baseman Munetaka Murakami said he’s not thinking or talking specifics about contract extensions right now, but affirmed that he would like to stay with the White Sox long-term,” Fegan posted on X.

That’s good news for the White Sox. Chicago should try to lock down Murakami as soon as possible rather than delay it towards the end of the 2027 season. Frankly, it’s possible that he could put up even better numbers as he gains more experience in the MLB.

Murakami has been impressed with the culture the White Sox have in the clubhouse this season and believes the team can make a push to make the World Series this season.

“We’re not afraid of anything right now,” Murakami said, via Ryan McGuffey of The REKAP. “We want to win, and we have that winning culture in our blood, so we’re going to look forward to going to the World Series, and that’s where we’re aiming right now. Nothing is surprising us at the moment.”

A hefty contract extension for Murakami this offseason shouldn’t surprise the White Sox.

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

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