During spring training in Glendale, Arizona, Chicago White Sox hitting coach Derek Shomon praised newcomer Munetaka Murakami for his relentless dedication and intelligence as he adjusts to Major League Baseball. Murakami, acquired after eight seasons with the Tokyo Yakult Swallows, is quickly adapting to his new environment and preparing for his first season in the majors through disciplined and focused work.
Shomon emphasized Murakami’s proactive attitude, saying,
“Does not shy away from the work,”
highlighting the player’s eagerness to absorb information and leverage available resources. He added,
“I think more times than not it might be trying to pull him out of the cage and remind him to breathe, (rather) than having to push him in the cage to actually get work done. The guy works really hard. It’s been fun to see.”
Early Season Assessments of Murakami’s Growth and Approach
Shomon shared that Murakami arrived with a strong foundation and has been intentional daily in addressing his challenges as he transitions to American baseball.
“He came in with an ideal,”
the coach said.
“This guy’s smart. The attitude is there. He has an understanding of likely what is going to be exposed and he’s doing a really good job attacking it on a daily basis and being really intentional with his work. That certainly makes it easier for us.”
With the World Baseball Classic looming, Shomon acknowledged balancing workloads.
“There was alignment there as soon as he came into town. Yeah, it can be tough, you’ve kind of got to pick and choose, especially with a guy getting ready to leave for (the World Baseball Classic), how much do you want to give them? On top of the fact that this is all new for him. Testament to his work, his work ethic, and just how savvy he is. He has a clue and he really is getting ahead of it.”
Opportunities for Emerging Talent in Spring Training
Alongside Murakami, other young players such as shortstop Colson Montgomery, second baseman Chase Meidroth, and catchers Edgar Quero and Kyle Teel received extended chances to face major-league pitching during the Cactus League. Quero impressed on Saturday with two singles, a double, and four RBIs in the 11-2 victory over the Athletics.
Shomon encouraged these developing players to build on their progress from last year’s second half and to stay prepared for the evolving challenges of the game. He stressed adaptability, saying,
“But then staying ahead of what the game is going to throw them next. Literally, figuratively.”
He explained the importance of adjusting quickly to game situations:
“Your willingness to respond in a timely fashion to what the game is giving you. That very much is related to how you’re being attacked, and whether that’s pitch types, or certain zones, so on and so forth.”
He further underscored,
“Just the understanding that the game is going to give you the blueprint and your willingness to respond in a timely fashion is the ability to adjust and be able to perform.”
Evaluations of Infield and Outfield Contributors
Shomon also remarked on third baseman Miguel Vargas’s potential due to his solid plate discipline and power abilities, noting the need for consistency.
“Now it’s just piecing it together consistently,”
he said.
“Just continuing to do the good work and we’ll let the game kind of tell us what we need to do next.”
Outfielder Everson Pereira, a recent acquisition from the Tampa Bay Rays, showed promise early in camp before dealing with right-side tightness. Shomon highlighted Pereira’s decision-making and damaging ability but flagged contact as an area for improvement:
“When we had our meeting with him, it’s like, dude, you make good decisions, you do damage, you can move it forward. It’s the contact thing, right? It’s the bat to ball, it’s the in-zone whiff. It’s not that you don’t know how to make contact, you do, otherwise wouldn’t be here. It’s like what’s causing the contact issues? So, I think those things were identified early on with him and every day they’re attacked.”
Newcomer Luisangel Acuña’s Adjustments and Progress
Luisangel Acuña, brought to the White Sox in the trade involving Luis Robert Jr. to the New York Mets, has demonstrated awareness of his areas for improvement. Shomon noted,
“He came in with the right idea, he knows what he needs to do in-game performance wise to improve and has made some noticeable adjustments during the routine that we’re hoping through increased amount of reps that will transition into game and help with some of the batted ball stuff that he’s addressed.”
Acuña contributed a double during Saturday’s game, which also featured a solo home run by right fielder Brooks Baldwin.
Veteran Outfielders Provide Leadership and Stability
The experience of Austin Hays and Andrew Benintendi has been an asset in spring training, particularly in guiding younger players. Shomon affectionately called them “my AARP boys,” and explained,
“The value that I think it adds for a young core group of players, and hoping the younger guys lean on (Benintendi) and (Hays) and vice versa, hoping that (Hays) and (Benintendi) are willing to push the needle where they need to with these young guys, just having been through it and having been successful.”
Manager Will Venable Praises Shomon’s Impact on the Team
As the White Sox’s new hitting coach, Derek Shomon is cultivating strong relationships with players while instilling a rigorous work ethic. Manager Will Venable acknowledged Shomon’s effectiveness, stating,
“He’s got real substance to what he’s teaching these guys and what he’s putting them through. You look at the combination of his ability to connect with the guys, the environment he creates plus the things he’s able to dial in and help these guys work through, is just a guy we’re really excited to have.”
Outlook for the White Sox Offense in 2025
The early spring assessments from Derek Shomon reveal a Chicago White Sox roster infused with determination and potential, as veterans and young players alike embrace an intense and focused preparation period. With a strong emphasis on adaptability, consistent work, and leveraging experienced leadership, the team aims to cultivate breakout performances on offense throughout the 2025 season.
Murakami’s smooth transition, the growth of prospects like Acuña, Quero, and Montgomery, and the steady contributions from established players bode well for the White Sox’s competitive aspirations. As spring training progresses and the regular season nears, the team’s hitting approach will likely continue to evolve, reflecting Shomon’s detailed evaluations and the players’ resilient mindset.
