Munetaka Murakami says he would be happy to discuss a new contract with the Chicago White Sox if the club decides it wants to keep him beyond his current deal.
The first baseman said he would welcome those conversations if the organization presents an offer and makes clear it still sees him as part of its future plans.
Murakami signed a two-year, $34-million contract with Chicago in December after building an outstanding career in Japan. His move surprised some observers, as many believed the 26-year-old would command a much larger long-term agreement.
Before arriving in Major League Baseball, Murakami set the single-season home run record for a Japanese-born player in Nippon Professional Baseball in 2022.
Performance silences criticism
Questions raised during the offseason, especially about his strikeout rate, have been answered by his production. Through 41 games, Murakami has posted a .907 OPS while hitting 15 home runs and driving in 29 runs.
His home run total ranks second in the American League, behind only Aaron Judge, reinforcing his immediate impact in Chicago’s lineup.
Murakami said he ignores outside criticism, explaining that negative opinions from people who are not playing do not influence him. Instead, he remains focused on understanding his own challenges and proving to doubters that he can perform at this level.
White Sox showing signs of progress
Chicago has climbed to second place in the AL Central with a 20-21 record.
While the team remains below .500, its current standing represents progress after the White Sox finished each of the previous three seasons with 61 wins or fewer.