White Sox get exciting Munetaka Murakami prediction amid 'genuine desire' report originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Chicago White Sox blew a 2-0 lead over the Cleveland Guardians in the ALDS, but just getting there after the many rough seasons this team has had is a great accomplishment.
At the end of the day, the 2026 season for the White Sox was a resounding success. But now, looking ahead to the offseason, the White Sox have some work to do. One of the big questions to answer is what to do with Munetaka Murakami.
ESPN's Jesse Rogers is predicting that, thanks to some "genuine desire" to get a contract extension done, the White Sox and Murakami will agree to a new multi-year extension to keep the beloved slugger in Chicago for years to come.
White Sox predicted to sign Munetaka Murakami to extension
"The White Sox engage Murakami in discussions for a longer-term deal after his current one expires after 2027," Rogers writes. "... Whenever a player is within a year of free agency, there's always a chance he tests the market -- but in this case, there seems to be a genuine desire to complete a deal."
The White Sox got Murakami on a two-year deal over the offseason after teams were balking at the idea of adding the power-hitting, but strikeout-prone left-handed slugger.
While plenty of other clubs could've taken a chance on him, Murakami signed with the White Sox and put together a remarkable 2026 season.
Murakami hit only .207, but with 35 home runs and 77 RBIs in the year, along with an .825 OPS, the left-handed slugger was a major factor in the team's postseason appearance this year.
MORE: White Sox reportedly have 'no urgency' to sign Munetaka Murakami to an extension
The 26-year-old first baseman is someone the White Sox should try to sign to a long-term deal. While there have been reports that no deal is close, Rogers is predicting that, with the season over, the two sides will meet and hash out a deal.
An extension after a 35-homer season is bound to be a hefty one, and while it's not going to meet the ridiculous $150 million five-year deal Kyle Schwarber got, Murakami might be looking at north of $20 million per-year over the next four to five seasons.
It's hard to predict where a Murakami contract winds up, since he's a more unique player and the market for someone like him isn't as clear as other positions.
But Rogers is predicting the White Sox and Murakami get something done, as there's reportedly a "genuine desire" to get a new extension done.
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