Some big news regarding free agent Manny Machado was released early Thursday afternoon. Bob Nightengale of USA Today tweeted that the White Sox are currently “more engaged” with Machado and have extended an official offer to him.
The Chicago #WhiteSox are more engaged with Manny Machado than Bryce Harper at the moment, and have officially made an offer to Machado. They have yet to make a formal offer to Harper, but have been in constant contact.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) January 3, 2019
The specifics of the deal are unknown and will likely remain that way until the 26-year-old agrees to terms with a team. This bit of information from Nightengale comes just two weeks after Machado attended meetings with the White Sox, Yankees, and Phillies in their respective cities.
Over the past few days, there have been increased rumors about Manny Machado circulating. Just yesterday, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com wrote that the White Sox and Phillies appeared to be the two teams willing to offer ten or more years to both Bryce Harper and Manny Machado. Bruce Levine of 670 The Score quickly responded by saying the Sox were unlikely to offer more than seven years to either player. While it is hard to say with confidence if either report is accurate, the White Sox have made their interest to Manny Machado known throughout the offseason and have the financial flexibility to offer a substantial deal. Whether or not Machado decides to choose Chicago over New York, the landing spot he reportedly prefers, is still the big question at play.
Also worth noting, just a few minutes after this news was released, the Philadelphia Phillies signed free agent reliever David Robertson to a two-year deal. Now that Philly has secured the bullpen piece they have been looking for, they are expected to turn their full attention to both Harper and Machado. Nightengale said that rival teams believe that Philadelphia will offer the most for both free agents.
Now, of course, the #Phillies will be focused on Bryce Harper/Manny Machado. Rival teams believe the Phillies will make the highest offer to each of the marquee free agents.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) January 3, 2019
This is obviously a very fluid situation so stay tuned for more updates.
Featured Photo: Sports Illustrated
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