Chicago White Sox

The Chicago White Sox may be viewed externally as losers in the Manny Machado sweepstakes, but White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson seemed to suggest to ESPN's Jeff Passan on Wednesday that Machado could be missing out by choosing the San Diego Padres over Chicago.

On Tuesday, Machado agreed to a 10-year, $300 million deal with the Padres, according to MLB.com's Mark Feinsand—the largest free-agent deal in American sports history. 

When asked if Machado "missed the boat" by spurning the White Sox, Anderson said he "might have."

He continued: "But we're going to keep rolling. You know, you can ride with us or don't. ... We couldn't care less who's on the boat with us. We know who all is on the boat with us and we know which way we're going to sail."

Anderson's response seems to differ from how White Sox executive vice president Kenny Williams took the news, according to Teddy Greenstein of the Chicago Tribune.

"I'm wearing my shades so you guys don't see the shock in my eyes," Williams said. "It is disappointing."

Sox general manager Rick Hahn echoed Williams' sentiment by telling reporters that he would take "the next few hours to continue to be pretty pissed off about this."

"The emotion right now is a little bit still raw," Hahn said. "... We said from the start that this rebuild was not going to be about one guy. ... There are certainly elements of this pursuit that, as an organization, I think we should be proud of.

"We should be proud of the aggressiveness and creativity of our offer, which we were told was not only was extremely competitive but, if the reports are out there are accurate, was superior to what was ultimately accepted in certain ways."

Rick Hahn: “The emotion is still raw.” pic.twitter.com/TvKnrhRD8m

— Teddy Greenstein (@TeddyGreenstein) February 19, 2019

The White Sox clearly felt confident in their final offer to Machado, which Bob Nightengale of USA Today reported was an eight-year, $250 million contract with the potential to be worth $320 million.

The Chicago #WhiteSox's final offer to Manny Machado was an eight-year, $250 million guarantee with a $35 million option in 2027 a $35 million option in 2028, making the potential total worth $320 million. The option years vested with 550 plate appearances the previous season

— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) February 19, 2019

As for Anderson, he just seems relieved that Machado made his decision. "Maybe you all can stop asking me now," he told reporters, according to Passan. 

Not so long ago, Yoan Moncada was MLB's next big thing.

Now, with the 2019 exhibition slate about to commence, the Chicago White Sox infielder needs to prove he isn't the next big bust.

Last season was rough for Moncada, and that's stating it kindly. He struck out 217 times—more than any other hitter (or, more accurately, more than any other swinger).

He led all second basemen with 21 errors and frequently appeared inept in the field despite his athleticism and five-tool potential.

He hit .235 with a .315 on-base percentage in 149 games, which is...let's check the math...not great.

Even his teammate and fellow Cuban, Jose Abreu, sounded a cautionary note.

"I think sometimes you talk and you create a bigger expectation, and that can create something that is not accurate," Abreu said through an interpreter, per Steve Greenberg of the Chicago Sun-Times. "But we all know the talent that he has."

Moncada is undeniably talented. He's tantalized the baseball world with 30-30 potential since the Boston Red Sox signed him on the international market at age 19 to a $63 million deal in February 2015.

That's a lot of coin to commit to an unproven teenager, but it seemed like a wise idea given his pedigree.

The Red Sox made good on their money in December 2016 by turning Moncada, fireballer Michael Kopech (who will miss 2019 after undergoing Tommy John surgery) and two other prospects into Chris Sale.

At the time, the ChiSox were trading an ace with three years remaining on an affordable, team-friendly contract.

Sale helped the Red Sox win a title in 2018. Moncada has been an enigma with increasingly troubling, bust-evoking tendencies for Chicago.

Yeah...we uttered the "b" word. Now, for the caveat: Moncada is 23 years old. It's too early to apply that label, drop the proverbial mic and walk away.

A lot of intriguing players his age (and older) have yet to play a full MLB season or even sip a cup of coffee at the highest level.

Yet, Moncada was supposed to be on the fast track, a nascent star who would lead the White Sox's budding rebuild.

Instead, he collected K's like they were going out of style, failed to get on base at anything approaching a decent clip, didn't flash eye-opening power and kicked the ball around the field like he was playing in the Premier League.

Was it the burden of being a touted blue chip? Did he succumb to the pressure of expectations?

Nope, if you ask him.

"The weight didn't affect me last year, the weight of being the top prospect," Moncada said, per Phil Thompson of the Chicago Tribune. "I just don't think that affected me at all. I think that this year is going to be a much better year, and I'm just ready for it."

Give the young man points for optimism. Allow for the possibility he'll shine in 2019.

Remember, however, there are footsteps behind him.

The White Sox have other impressive players rising through their system, including outfielder Eloy Jimenez. Moncada could be squeezed out of an infield depth chart that features shortstop Tim Anderson and third baseman Yolmer Sanchez. 

The White Sox's persistent linkage to superstar infielder and free agent Manny Machado doesn't indicate a high degree of faith in Moncada. At least, it suggests Chicago is keeping its options wide open. 

No prospect enjoys too much time in the limelight. Either he seizes it, or it's gone. Poof. The numbers come or they don't. The promise materializes...or it doesn't.

Moncada is officially no longer the next big thing. Now, he's at risk of becoming the next big bust.

Things can change in an instant.

               

All statistics courtesy of Baseball Reference. 

Manny Machado's agent is not pleased with recent reports from Buster Olney of ESPN and Bob Nightengale of USA Today.

Olney reported the Chicago White Sox offered Machado a seven-year, $175 million deal, while Nightengale confirmed it and noted they made the offer approximately two weeks ago. Mark Feinsand of MLB.com shared the response from Dan Lozano of MVP Sports Group, which represents the free agent shortstop:

"I have known Bob Nightengale and Buster Olney for many years and have always had good professional relationships with both. But their recent reporting, like many other rumors in the past several months, have been inaccurate and reckless when it comes to Manny Machado. I don’t know if their sources are blatantly violating the Collective Bargaining Agreement by intentionally misleading them to try and affect negotiations through the public or are just flat out lying to them for other reasons. But the truth is that their reports on the details of the White Sox level of interest in Manny are completely wrong." 

Jeff Passan reported in December for Yahoo Sports there was some belief Machado and Bryce Harper would land contracts worth more than $300 million this offseason. This statement from the agent could be a negotiating tactic as Machado's market doesn't appear to be quite as lucrative as once thought in the early stages of the offseason.

ESPN.com noted the New York Yankees and the four-time All-Star "were so far apart in their conceptual conversations that New York didn't extend an offer." It also pointed out the Philadelphia Phillies are interested in both Machado and Harper, which would leave the one they didn't sign in need of alternative options.

It is not very often two 26-year-old, generational talents hit the open market at the same time, and it represents a unique opportunity for teams to sign them long term and reap the benefits of their prime production. It stands in stark contrast to teams signing players in their 30s based on past accomplishments just to see their numbers drop.

Machado has two Gold Gloves and drilled 33 or more home runs in each of the last four years as one of the best two-way players in the league.

The White Sox have been in rebuilding mode for multiple years and haven't made the playoffs since 2008, but they have young prospects reaching points in their careers where they will start being major contributors. Machado is someone who could put them over the top and make them instant contenders in the American League Central.

A seven-year, $175 million deal would be notably affordable for someone like that, and Machado's agent let it be known that may not be the correct number.

As Manny Machado weighs where he will sign, there is reportedly some clarity on what the Chicago White Sox have offered the four-time All-Star.

Per ESPN's Buster Olney, the White Sox's proposal to Machado is for $175 million over seven years.

Per USA Today's Bob Nightengale, Chicago's offer to Machado came about two weeks ago, and the White Sox "haven't felt the need to alter it and bid against themselves."

Machado's agent, Dan Lozano, issued a statement refuting the reports from Olney and Nightengale about Chicago's offer to his client (h/t MLB.com's Mark Feinsand):

Dan Lozano of MVP Sports Group, the agent for Manny Machado, released the following statement regarding recent reports: pic.twitter.com/MmKy9doaFz

— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) January 16, 2019

The market for Machado isn't as robust as it once seemed.

The New York Yankees, who weren't hiding their infatuation earlier this offseason, have added Troy Tulowitzki and DJ LeMahieu to an already crowded infield that includes Gleyber Torres, Miguel Andujar and Didi Gregorius when he returns from Tommy John surgery.

Per The Athletic's Matt Gelb, the Philadelphia Phillies have "gained confidence" they will sign either Machado or Bryce Harper.

In December, Jeff Passan wrote for Yahoo Sports that some people within MLB felt contracts for Machado and Harper would exceed $300 million in total value.

The White Sox appear to be looking for a franchise cornerstone to build around as their young talent begins to make its way to the big leagues. They haven't made the playoffs since 2008, haven't had a winning season since 2012 and lost 100 games last season for the first time since 1970.

Machado helped the Los Angeles Dodgers reach the World Series last season after being acquired from the Baltimore Orioles in July. The 26-year-old hit .297/.367/.538 with 37 homers and 107 RBI in 162 games in 2018.

Only a few teams are apparently still in the running for Manny Machado, although the Chicago White Sox have an offer for an eight-year deal on the table for the free-agent shortstop, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN.

However, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reported the White Sox offer hasn't risen above a seven-year deal.

The Philadelphia Phillies are still engaged with Machado as well, while a third mystery team is also in the hunt.

Both the White Sox and the Phillies have been targeting him throughout the offseason, while each has used personal relationships to try to sway the four-time All-Star.

Philadelphia recently hired former Baltimore Orioles third base coach Bobby Dickerson, who, as Matt Gelb of The Athletic noted, is a mentor to Machado. The two worked together from the time Machado was drafted in 2010 until he was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers last season.

Additionally, Chicago signed outfielder Jon Jay, who, along with Yonder Alonso, grew up with Machado in Miami and remains good friends with him, per Nightengale.

Still, it could all come down to the length and money on the contract.

Though all the offers aren't yet known, the White Sox are clearly serious about this pursuit based on the eight-year deal, which would be the longest the organization has ever given out.

Meanwhile, both teams are reportedly also in pursuit of free-agent outfielder Bryce Harper.

The Chicago White Sox "have focused their attention this past month" on free-agent shortstop Manny Machado, USA Today's Bob Nightengale reported Sunday.

According to Nightengale, the Philadelphia Phillies are the top contenders to sign free-agent outfielder Bryce Harper after a Phillies contingent met with Harper on Saturday in Las Vegas.

The White Sox are hopeful they'll be the "only true remaining suitor" in the Machado sweepstakes if Harper signs with the Phillies.

Machado met with three teams in December: the White Sox, Phillies and New York Yankees.

If it added Harper, Philadelphia likely wouldn't have the resources to sign Machado too. According to The Athletic's Jim Bowden, the Washington Nationals offered Harper a deal totaling more than $300 million. Chelsea Janes of the Washington Post had reported the Nationals offered $300 million over 10 years.

The Yankees, meanwhile, signed Troy Tulowitzki as insurance at shortstop for Didi Gregorius, who underwent Tommy John surgery in October. ESPN.com's Jeff Passan reported New York also agreed to a two-year, $24 million deal with DJ LeMahieu, further diminishing its need to continue pursuing Machado.

It would be foolish to ever count out the New York Yankees on a player of Manny Machado's caliber. But if they are indeed planning on bringing Machado into the fold, they're going to need to move an infielder, because LeMahieu, Gregorius, Torres, Tulowitzki and Andujar is a glut.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 11, 2019

Yankees view DJ LeMahieu as a Ben Zobrist-type of athlete--can move around to different spots,+ defender, helps address the manager's daily lineup challenges. They love Manny Machado as a player, but idea of another huge contract a concern, with Stanton, and Judge payday looming.

— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) January 11, 2019

The White Sox have done the legwork to make Chicago the most attractive destination for Machado.

The team acquired Yonder Alonso, Machado's brother-in-law, from the Cleveland Indians in December. And in reporting on Jon Jay's one-year, $4 million deal with the White Sox, Passan wrote Jay is a "close friend" of the four-time All-Star.

Simply by process of elimination, the signs point to Machado going to the White Sox unless he's willing to open the door for other teams.

The Chicago White Sox have reportedly agreed to a deal with free-agent outfielder Jon Jay, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today.

The one-year deal is reportedly worth $4 million, per Nightengale.

The 33-year-old split time last season between the Kansas City Royals and Arizona Diamondbacks, combining for a .268 batting average, .330 on-base percentage and 74 runs scored in 143 games.

As Nightengale noted, Jay is also a close friend of free agent Manny Machado, who has an offer on the table from the White Sox. Yonder Alonso is also the shortstop's brother-in-law and is currently on Chicago's roster.

The trio have known each other for years growing up in Miami, which Machado spoke about in a 2017 essay.

"For Jon, Yonder and I, Miami means family, good friends, culture and ... baseball," Machado wrote in the Players' Tribune. "Each winter we meet up in our hometown and we go to work. We laugh a lot, too, and have fun together. At the end of the day, though, we're there to put in work and to get better at baseball."

While it might not be the only factor he considers, the relationships could potentially put the White Sox over the top in the Machado sweepstakes.

Of course, Jay has value on his own on Chicago's roster.

The left-hander can play all three outfield spots and is an above-average defender, helping his team even when the bat isn't working.

He has also proved himself as a hitter in the past, topping .290 at the plate in both 2016 and 2017 before a relatively down 2018 season.

Adding in his playoff experience with the St. Louis Cardinals and Chicago Cubs, winning a World Series in 2011, Jay can be a useful addition for the White Sox in 2019.

All-Star closer Kelvin Herrera will pitch with the Chicago White Sox next season after reportedly agreeing to a deal on Monday.

Per Jeff Passan of ESPN, the right-hander will sign a two-year deal for $18 million with a vesting third-year option.

Herrera split time in 2018 between the Kansas City Royals and Washington Nationals. He got off to a terrific start, posting a 1.05 ERA with 22 strikeouts in 25.2 innings for the Royals. 

Needing to boost their bullpen, the Nationals acquired the 29-year-old on June 18. He struggled after the deal with a 4.34 ERA, 24 hits allowed, 16 strikeouts and eight walks over 18.2 innings in 21 games. 

During an Aug. 26 win over the New York Mets, Herrera's season came to an end when he tore the Lisfranc ligament in his left foot while running to cover first base. 

"I still got the out," the right-hander told reporters after the game. "High price for it."

The timing of Herrera's injury would seem to have impacted his leverage in free agency. He was looking for the first big payday of his career. He made $7,937,500 during his final year of arbitration in 2018. 

Herrera was one of the most dependable relievers in Major League Baseball from 2012-17. He ranked second in MLB in innings pitched (413.2), fourth in appearances (413) and 18th in FanGraphs wins above replacement (6.2) during that span. 

Coming off the injury to his foot, Herrera will have to prove his stuff is going to be back at its normal level. The Dominican native averaged 96.5 mph with his fastball last season. 

The White Sox believe Herrera is worth the risk at this point in the offseason. His track record of success makes him a good gamble, and if he hits for them, they have a dominant late-inning reliever who can pitch in high-leverage situations.

The Chicago White Sox are reportedly considered a "long shot" to land superstar free-agent outfielder Bryce Harper.

Jon Heyman of Fancred reported the update Friday and noted the South Siders face competition from the Philadelphia Phillies and Washington Nationals, who remain interested in bringing Harper back after he spent his first seven MLB seasons with the club.

Chicago has made some modest upgrades to its roster during the offseason by acquiring starting pitcher Ivan Nova, first baseman Yonder Alonso and closer Alex Colome in a series of trades.

Signing Harper would be more of a transformative move for the Chi Sox as they attempt to turn a corner in their rebuilding efforts after posting a 62-100 record in 2018.

Although the 26-year-old Las Vegas native is probably focused on contract value and the ability to contend for championships during what will likely be a long-term contract, the Windy City could have an ace up its sleeve in negotiations.

"Favorite food? Probably Chicago," Harper told TMZ Sports in November. "They got great food. I like this place called Steak 48, it's really good. Deep dish of course. Anywhere in New York of course you know you can always go out there and eat good food. That's huge for us."

The 2015 National League MVP would join Alonso and Jose Abreu to create a formidable middle of the order for the White Sox, though the team's overall roster still falls behind Philadelphia and Washington in terms of title contention in the immediate future.

Harper and high-profile agent Scott Boras haven't provided a timetable for a decision with MLB's free-agent market once again moving at a sluggish pace.

  

The Chicago White Sox are still doing everything in their power to make a huge splash this offseason by talking to the two biggest free agents on the market. 

Per USA Today's Bob Nightengale, the White Sox have made a formal offer to Manny Machado and remain in "constant contact" with Bryce Harper. 

It's unclear what the White Sox proposal to Machado is in terms of years or money, but Bruce Levine of 670 The Score reported they won't make an offer longer than seven years to either player.

That could present a problem, at least in Chicago's chase for Harper, since Levine noted the former National League MVP has received multiple 10-year offers with "big" average annual salaries. 

The White Sox's interest in Machado dates back to last season when they had interest in acquiring him from the Baltimore Orioles.

Machado has already met with the White Sox, Philadelphia Phillies and New York Yankees on his free-agency tour. The 26-year-old is coming off arguably the best season of his career, hitting .297/.367/.538 with 37 homers and 107 RBI in 162 games with the Orioles and Los Angeles Dodgers.