Chicago White Sox are not going to sign both Manny Machado and Bryce Harper
The Chicago White Sox may have interest in both Manny Machado and Bryce Harper, but they will not be signing both.
The Chicago White Sox are in on both Manny Machado and Bryce Harper, but according to general manager Rick Hahn don’t expect them to sign both.
On Saturday Hahn said they aren’t going to sign both Machado and Harper due to payroll flexibility.
“These are obviously not the last two free agents that we intend to add in the future,” Hahn said at the White Sox’s annual fan fest. “Having two commitments of the magnitude they’re gonna require on the same roster probably limits your flexibility and might not be the strongest move for us long term.”
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Manny Machado paid a visit to Guaranteed Rate Field in late December to meet with White Sox brass. Hahn said the pitch to Machado is quite simple.
“The main theme is essentially the chance to be part of something special over an extended period of time in a great city… That’s a big part of it. Now, we have to back that up in showing what we have coming and why we believe in this future and the resources behind it, the support we provide our players and the environment and culture that [manager Rick Renteria] has helped cultivate and where we are as an organization. But the gist of it is we’re getting poised to go on a long-term run here, and you’ve got a chance to be part of something special with a great organization.”
I wouldn’t take Harper out of the equation for the White Sox, but it seems like they have been planning for Machado the whole off-season, including signing some of his friends.
Machado’s brother-in-law, Yonder Alonso, was traded from Cleveland to the White Sox and then Chicago went out and signed one of his best friends Jon Jay.
Hahn said he would be “disappointed if we don’t convert” by signing either Machado or Harper, but they have still added to their club while waiting for their decisions.
We could see top prospect Eloy Jimenez sooner rather than later, and Yoan Moncada and Lucas Giolito have displayed some potential in the big leagues.
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If the Chicago White Sox strikeout on Bryce Harper, and especially Manny Machado, I would be very surprised.