All-Star infielder Manny Machado has seen his market dwindle to three teams in free agency.
It has not been as robust of a winter as the star had hoped — leading people to wonder if the MLB system is broke.
If this latest news is any indication, those people could be right on the spot. According to ESPN’s Buster Olney, one of Machado’s biggest suitors is offering him pennies on the dollar.
The White Sox offer to Machado is for $175 million, over seven years. In some ways, their approach is like Boston's w/ J.D. Martinez last winter — the Red Sox offered $100 million and waited for two months. If CWS offer emerges as best, a big ? is: Would Machado/NYY re-engage?
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) January 16, 2019
Machado and fellow free agent Bryce Harper are said to be seeking 10-year deals in the $300 million range. Obviously, the Sox’ offer of $175 million over seven seasons doesn’t come close.
It was previously reported that Chicago had offered Machado an eight-year deal. Terms of that offer were not known.
Machado, 26, is technically hitting free agency at the best possible time. He’s now just entering his prime and posted a .297 average with 37 homers and 107 RBI last season — all career highs.