Chicago White Sox first baseman Munetaka Murakami showed signs of breaking out of an extended slump with a key early home run in Saturday’s game against the Minnesota Twins at Rate Field. After struggling at the plate in recent weeks, Murakami connected for a two-run homer in the first inning, marking his 30th home run of the season and ending a drought dating back to August 18.
Murakami had been mired in a difficult stretch, batting just .085 (5-for-59) over his previous 16 games entering Saturday, including only one extra-base hit and one RBI during that span. Despite the offensive struggles, White Sox manager Will Venable emphasized that Murakami’s ability to make hard contact remained evident, with several well-hit balls flying high but caught before leaving the park. Venable expressed optimism that slight adjustments could lead to more consistent power production.
“I think he’s a click away from flattening some of those swings out and hitting them over the fence,” Venable said before the game. “As long as he continues to make good swing decisions and plays hard, he’s helping us win.”
General manager Chris Getz also highlighted Murakami’s value to the team despite the recent slump, noting his approach at the plate and the threat he poses in the lineup. Getz pointed to Murakami’s 30 home runs, 81 walks, and overall impact on the team's offense as key factors in the White Sox’s competitive position in the American League Central.
Murakami, who signed a two-year, $34 million contract with Chicago in the offseason, has been a crucial contributor since joining the team. He was named an All-Star this season despite missing 35 games with a right hamstring injury. Speaking through an interpreter earlier this week in Houston, Murakami acknowledged the mental challenges accompanying his slump. He said he has sometimes been too focused on elevating his hits, which contributed to missed opportunities, and stressed the importance of maintaining a positive mindset regardless of individual outcomes.
“It’s important for me to really think in a positive way, even if it’s out,” Murakami said. “There are good swings, good at-bats. Just differentiating what I’m doing good and what I’m doing bad even if it’s one out, I think it’s the key for the future.”
Despite his personal struggles, Murakami remains committed to sticking to his routine and preparation, aiming for a turnaround in performance as the White Sox enter the crucial September stretch. Chicago held a 2½-game lead over the Cleveland Guardians in the division following Saturday’s 6-4 loss to the Twins, a game in which the team could not hold onto the early advantage Murakami helped establish. With other players such as Miguel Vargas and Colson Montgomery also reaching power milestones recently, the White Sox continue to rely on multiple offensive contributors to maintain their lead.
Looking ahead, both the club and Murakami are hopeful that improved consistency will coincide with the team’s push toward the postseason. “We want to not take that for granted but really appreciate where we stand,” Murakami said, underscoring the need to focus on each game individually as the season draws to a close.