CHICAGO – There was quite a bit of talk about All-Star White Sox first baseman Munetaka Murakami and White Sox manager Will Venable during Friday’s 20-minute pregame session with general manager Chris Getz.
Only a small part of that conversation involved extending those important individuals beyond the 2027 season. Murakami joined the White Sox from Japan via a two-year, $34 million free-agent deal and has helped change the White Sox – from their on-field success to their attention in the Pacific Rim area. Getz has spoken previously about mutual interest in keeping Murakami but didn’t go past that point regarding initial talks.
“We’re going to continue to have those conversations,” Getz said. “And see where it takes us.”
Getz extolled the numerous virtues of the 26-year-old, who boasts 29 home runs and an .836 OPS entering Friday.
“Mune’s meant a lot to this organization. He has. He’s been part of the success that we’ve had this year,” Getz said. “It’s helped us win games. It’s helped others gain confidence up here and belief that you can win games. That’s certainly something that we’re grateful for and thankful that we’ve gotten the opportunity to get to know him further.
“He’s a tremendous teammate, hard worker, and he’s been productive. I know right now he hasn’t been as productive as he had been earlier in the year, but he’s still a threat at the plate, taking his walks, and we know that he’s a power threat.”
Murakami’s 81 walks set a new single-season White Sox rookie record. Entering Friday’s game he was mired in a 13-for-101 funk since Aug. 5 with 45 strikeouts, five home runs and eight RBIs.
“Players go through different experiences throughout their season – they’re riding the highs and at times riding the lows a little bit,” Getz said. “That’s why this clubhouse has been so successful, because they’ve supported one another. It’s not just one player.
“I know Mune wants to be productive on a regular basis, but there are other players that have stepped up along the way. Let’s just go out there and compete.”
As a practice, the White Sox don’t announce contract lengths and salaries for managers. Venable is under contract through ’27, on a three-year deal, but Getz didn’t sound worried about keeping him well beyond that point.
“We are focused on winning games right now, and that’s just not a concern because of the relationship Will and I have,” Getz said. “Will has been fantastic. He’s done what we wanted and beyond. He really has. He’s been a great partner to me. He’s been a great teammate to the coaching staff and the players.
“So, he’s definitely a guy of high value to us, and we want to continue to find ways to nurture that relationship. Definitely want him to be part of what we continue to build right now.”