It’s only been four days since the White Sox 2026 playoff run came to an end in Cleveland, but the team has already begun to shift the focus to 2027. General Manager Chris Getz addressed the media Wednesday for the first time since the season came to an end, and he provided several interesting pieces of information. Here are some news updates on Munetaka Murakami, Grant Taylor, Hagen Smith, the coaching staff, and more.
Munetaka Murakami extension coming soon?
When asked about contract extension talks during Wednesday’s press conference, Getz wouldn’t go into detail, but confirmed the sides have held meetings and reinforced the impact Murakami has had on the team.
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.
— Bruce Levine (@MLBBruceLevine) October 14, 2026
“Mune means a lot to us,” Getz said. “We certainly want him to come back and be here a long time”.
Murakami led the White Sox with 35 home runs during his rookie season, even after missing six weeks with a hamstring strain. The concerns about his strikeouts were justified, but Murakami proved that he can hit for power at the big league level, and his on-base prowess adds to his skillset. Mune has said on multiple occasions that he loves Chicago and the White Sox and would love to stay around long term. It seems like both sides are interested in an extension, and the conversations are ongoing, so at this point I’d be surprised if it doesn’t get done this winter.
Lights-out relievers moving to the rotation?
Hagen Smith and Grant Taylor were both drafted as starters, but may have found a home in the back end of the White Sox bullpen. Still, some have debated whether the team should attempt to make them starters again. When asked about this possibility, Getz was non-committal.
“I think they’re both going to be starting pitchers at some point in their careers,” Getz said. “But we haven’t made a decision yet.”
The issue of whether or not to start has been a popular topic of conversation for Taylor for a year or two now, but it’s a more recent development for Hagen Smith. White Sox Director of Player Development Paul Janish had originally said he expected Smith to arrive as a starter in the spring, but it seems like they may revisit those discussions. Smith posted an impressive 1.29 ERA in 18 relief appearances, including several multi-inning outings. He often got himself into trouble with walks, but flashed good stuff when he could control it. With the team certain to explore pitching upgrades this offseason, there are some decisions that will need to be made prior to the team reporting for spring training, whenever that may be.
Coaching Staff Updates
In addition to updates on Murakami and some young pitchers, Chris Getz provided an update on the team’s plans for the coaching staff in 2027. While it’s not certain that everyone will agree to return, Getz said he expects every coach on the major league staff to be asked to return next season. It’s possible that some staff members could depart for a promotion elsewhere, but if not, the White Sox are expected to retain all of Will Venable’s 2026 staff, and for good reason. Derek Shomon and the hitting staff helped the team lead the American League in runs scored, and the pitching staff finished in the middle of the league in ERA despite major questions about their starters. Will Venable and his staff will have a chance to run it back next year.
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