Potential Munetaka Murakami contract extension with White Sox gets update after 35-home run rookie season appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Munetaka Murakami made quite the impression during his rookie season. Not only did Murakami become a fan-favorite with the Chicago White Sox, but he also recorded 35 home runs. Murakami, 26, is only under contract through 2027, so will Chicago look to sign him to a contract extension this offseason?
“Chris Getz said today that meetings continue with 1B Mune Murakami on a contract extension. Getz said the negotiations are very sensitive, so no information will be coming from the White Sox about the conversations. Talks began in late summer,” baseball analyst Bruce Levine reported Wednesday.
Murakami has some holes in his swing. He hit just .207 while striking out 196 times. With that being said, he finished the season with a .347 OBP and .487 slugging percentage. Those marks were good for a strong .825 OPS. And, as mentioned before, he crushed 35 long balls.
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The White Sox reached the American League Division Series this year. They likely would not have found as much success as they did without Murakami. He made a significant impact, adding power in the middle of a lineup that performed quite well.
Murakami’s presence also played a role in Miguel Vargas’ breakout season. Vargas emerged as the best player on the White Sox, and Murakami provided protection for him in the lineup. Opponents had to think twice before pitching around Vargas with Murakami waiting on deck.
It seems as if a contract extension coming to fruition is realistic. For now, nothing is official. Barring unforeseen circumstances, the White Sox and Munetaka Murakami will continue their negotiations.
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