As the Philadelphia Phillies and Chicago White Sox await a decision from star free agent Manny Machado, the 26-year-old All-Star infielder may have a mystery team after him as well.
According to Jon Heyman of Fancred, Machado’s camp has indicated there is a mystery team involved in discussions for landing the prized free agent beyond the heavily rumored Phillies and White Sox.
Machado camp is telling some folks there’s a mystery team in addition to Chisox, Phils. Validity is unknown.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 11, 2019
The Yankees are almost certainly out on Machado after signing Troy Tulowitzki and DJ LeMahieu, so the mystery team is likely one that hasn’t been reported previously.
Of course, Machado’s camp could also be using the mystery team as potential leverage in an effort to push the Phillies and White Sox to up their offers to Machado.
Chicago acquired Jon Jay and Yonder Alonso this offseason. Both work out with and are close friends of Machado. If there is a mystery team, it would certainly add another interesting twist to the offseason where both star players have yet to sign with spring training drawing closer.