White Sox urged to make 'wise' Munetaka Murakami decision

Chicago loves Munetaka Murakami, and Murakami appears to love Chicago. 

The White Sox took a chance on the first baseman/designated hitter when there were doubts about how his game would develop from Nippon Professional Baseball in Japan to the Majors. 

"Expected to sign a deal in excess of $100 million at the outset of last offseason, Munetaka Murakami had to settle for a two-year, $34 million deal with the Chicago White Sox amid concerns about how he would translate to the majors," wrote Bleacher Report's Tim Kelly. 

So far, Murakami is the definition of a three-true-outcomes player while playing solid but non-stellar defense at first. He is tied with Yordan Alvarez of the Houston Astros for first place in the AL with 20 home runs. 

Since Murakami signed a two-year contract, he will become a free agent at the end of 2027. Rather than wait and see how he performs, Kelly believes the White Sox's front office should already be having discussions about a possible extension. 

"It feels like general manager Chris Getz and the White Sox would be wise to approach the 26-year-old slugger sooner rather than later about extending his contract," Kelly added. "The price to retain Murakami is only going to go up as he gets closer to his second trip to free agency after the 2027 season." 

MORE: Dodgers still have a Roki Sasaki problem

Maybe the slugger's next contract will be the $100 million one he and his agent were looking for. 

The White Sox took a chance on Murakami, and it paid off. Now it may be time to open the checkbook for a much larger investment in the 26-year-old. 

More MLB news:

• 5 reasons to believe in Jordan Walker's breakout for Cardinals
• Roman Anthony might’ve been overhyped for Red Sox
• Chase Burns becomes first Reds pitcher with elite stat line since 1922
• Yankees’ Aaron Judge on track to become first player in MLB history with five 50+ homer seasons
• Phillies’ Aidan Miller finally beginning baseball activities amid back injury