Good look at his situation by Sox Machine. Reading it my impression is that he will eventually test the free agent market.

It's OK if a Munetaka Murakami extension isn't imminent -...

Chatter about a potential Munetaka Murakami extension is always on the periphery, and it perked up late last week due to a Chris Getz appearance on the New York Post’s baseball podcast with Jon Heyman

If there is no extension...it leaves a lot more options on the table in the next calendar year than simply signing him or not! If he is intent on going into free agency...then the White Sox must check his value and determine whether they benefit most from keeping him into free agency or trading him for controllable assets.

6 minutes ago, BrittBurnsFan said:

If there is no extension...it leaves a lot more options on the table in the next calendar year than simply signing him or not! If he is intent on going into free agency...then the White Sox must check his value and determine whether they benefit most from keeping him into free agency or trading him for controllable assets.

This is the comment from the story that gives me the impression he's going to test the waters, as well as the fact the Sox have never given out a nine figure deal:

"On Murakami's side, he wouldn't have settled for a two-year deal if he weren't intent on testing the open market after proving himself, or at least using impending free agency to command something close to market prices."

Will Ishbia back a new contract for Mune? If so, why would this be an issue financially? Just re-sign him.

there's no rush to extending him right now unless you can get him below market value, I think we would all like the Sox to do their due diligence on determining what is a fair offer to Murakami, and you will have a better idea of what that is next year, not this year during a slump

1 hour ago, tray said:

Will Ishbia back a new contract for Mune? If so, why would this be an issue financially? Just re-sign him.

Why can't Jerry?

2 hours ago, BrittBurnsFan said:

If there is no extension...it leaves a lot more options on the table in the next calendar year than simply signing him or not! If he is intent on going into free agency...then the White Sox must check his value and determine whether they benefit most from keeping him into free agency or trading him for controllable assets.

Love his swing but he is out of whack.

Looking at this overall season, and what top end free agent 1B deals have looked like in the last few years, I am not sure how they come to an extension that makes both sides happy.

1 hour ago, tray said:

Will Ishbia back a new contract for Mune? If so, why would this be an issue financially? Just re-sign him.

Jerry will technically still be in charge of the team by the time Murakami becomes a free agent. However, since a new contract would likely impact the payrolls of teams under Ishbia’s ownership going forward, it would make sense if Jerry discussed a potential contract extension with Ishbia to see if he is onboard with keeping Mune around in the future. Ultimately, Jerry would still be the decision maker due to the timing of the end of Murakami’s contract.

17 hours ago, WhiteSox2023 said:

Jerry will technically still be in charge of the team by the time Murakami becomes a free agent. However, since a new contract would likely impact the payrolls of teams under Ishbia’s ownership going forward, it would make sense if Jerry discussed a potential contract extension with Ishbia to see if he is onboard with keeping Mune around in the future. Ultimately, Jerry would still be the decision maker due to the timing of the end of Murakami’s contract.

Bill Veeck went out and signed some free agents in 1980 because he knew the next owner would be paying for it. I want to say Ron LeFlore and Jim Essian(?). A similar dynamic could be a factor in any long-term contracts handed out in 2027.

Even $180 million or $210 million for 6-7 years seems a bit crazy with how terrible he has been in general since returning, he has to now be below 180 against lhp with something like 6 homers.

Would honestly put that money into either Sato or Vargas.

That said, he has a very strong work ethic and clearly has bonded with many of the younger players. Mune is one of the biggest reasons for the turnaround to winning from historic loss totals during the first three months of the season.

He used to be must watch TV when he got on one of his hot streaks...but has pretty much cratered my fantasy team demonstrating faith and patience with him.

"Everything points to both sides letting the original contract play out in the most endearing, amicable fashion possible, to the point that the sudden announcement of a contract extension would generate more uncertainty than the ongoing open-endedness of it all."

Why would it generate more uncertainty?

Wouldn't the author opine the same exact lines if the $$$ were earmarked for Colson or Vargas instead...?

https://www.yahoo.com/sports/articles/astros-news-ex-gm-makes-225322861.html

You can also look at the six year $115 million contract extension Yordan Alvarez signed through his age 31 season...nobody can ever beat that type of value for his production levels.

Mune would be looking at something like 6 years and $165-180 million one could guess.

Also, Teruaki Sato is expected to land in the $200-225 million range due to his GG third base defense and ability to capabltly play RF as well.

Phillips a much better fit with Alec Bohm and Adolis Garcia out as FAs.

The Good Phight

Who is Teruaki Sato and why are the Phillies scouting him?

Is this their chance to finally break into the Japanese market for players?

Edited 14 hours ago14 hr by caulfield12

2 hours ago, 77 Hitmen said:

Bill Veeck went out and signed some free agents in 1980 because he knew the next owner would be paying for it. I want to say Ron LeFlore and Jim Essian(?). A similar dynamic could be a factor in any long-term contracts handed out in 2027.

Essian played with the Sox in 76 and 77, they traded him to Oakland but then as you said signed him as a free agent in late 1980. His days were numbered though as JR and EE signed Carlton Fisk before the 1981 season.

Getz already confirmed that they have talked extension and that Murakami’s camp has expressed some interest. I think this happens before the end of next offseason.

long term lurker.

The issue is Freddie Freeman. He is under contract for 2027. At the end of next year he will be 38. If he retires, then it would be easy to see Ohtani pushing Dodgers to sign Mune. The Dodgers wouldn't have to violate rules as Ohtani can just whisper to him to wait.

3 hours ago, 77 Hitmen said:

Bill Veeck went out and signed some free agents in 1980 because he knew the next owner would be paying for it. I want to say Ron LeFlore and Jim Essian(?). A similar dynamic could be a factor in any long-term contracts handed out in 2027.

You are correct on the Veeck situation and the players involved.

47 minutes ago, The Mighty Mite said:

Essian played with the Sox in 76 and 77, they traded him to Oakland but then as you said signed him as a free agent in late 1980. His days were numbered though as JR and EE signed Carlton Fisk before the 1981 season.

It was actually Roland and EE who went after Fisk reaching out to his agent Jack Sands.

52 minutes ago, Chicago White Sox said:

Getz already confirmed that they have talked extension and that Murakami’s camp has expressed some interest. I think this happens before the end of next offseason.

I believe Ishbia has stated that Murakami isn't leaving on his watch, or something like that, granted that was said to a fan at a game when Mune was still producing

Am I the only one who is not that fired up to resign Mune, and certainly not for the $200 million or so it’s gonna cost.

I don’t know and he certainly could turn it around, get hot, and change my mind. But it has now become a looong wait for him to break out this slump.

I still say the most amazing thing about Mune is how is he drawing all these walks. He’s batting .094 his last 15 games (.155 for his last 30 games). Just throw it down the middle of the plate hard. He can’t hit it.