Manny Machado, Bryce Harper News: Where The Dodgers, Phillies, Yankees And White Sox Stand

It's all quiet on the free agent front, as superstar free agents Manny Machado and Bryce Harper have yet to ink a deal this winter. Prior to the start of the season there had been rampant speculation that both players could command a long-term contract worth up to $300 million.

So far the interested parties have not provided strong evidence that they are willing to commit to such a lucrative deal. It's even unclear which teams are in contention for the two players and which have moved on.

The Los Angeles Dodgers seem to have given up on Machado after uneven results in half a season and due to perceived behavioral problems, instead focusing their attention on Harper after trading away outfielders Matt Kemp and Yasiel Puig for prospects and more payroll flexibility. However, team president Andrew Friedman seems to prefer signing Harper to a shorter contract than the roughly 10 years he is seeking. Harper reportedly wants to join the Dodgers but it seems improbable that he would turn down a much bigger contract to play in Los Angeles.

Meanwhile, the Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal reported Saturday that the Dodgers are interested in Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder A.J. Pollock, though there is no deal in place. Pollock reportedly is seeking a five-year deal worth $80 million.

The Chicago White Sox and Philadelphia Phillies may have a stronger shot than the New York Yankees of landing Machado. In fact, the White Sox may be the only team that has given a serious offer.

ESPN's Buster Olney reported last week that the White Sox offered Machado a seven-year deal worth $175 million deal. However, Machado's agent Dan Lozano shot down the report, describing it as "inaccurate" and "reckless."

Things got even weirder on Saturday when baseball insider Jon Heyman quoted Machado's father, Hector Gomez, as saying that the Yankees, Dodgers and Phillies are interested in Machado and that there is a lot of interest from the White Sox.

What seems likely in the market for Harper and Machado is that the Phillies will likely land one or both players. USA Today's Bob Nightengale reported in November that Phillies owner John Middleton was looking to spend big in the offseason and so far he hasn't.

'We’re going into this expecting to spend money," Middleton said. "And maybe even be a little bit stupid about it."

The Yankees, who have sat out the Harper chase, don't really need Machado after adding infielders D.J. LeMahieu and Troy Tulowitzki. In fact, it seems as though general manager Brian Cashman's mind is everywhere but on Harper and Machado. Heyman reported that the Yankees and Reds may be closer to a deal for starting pitcher Sonny Gray and that the Yankees have an interest in prospects Shed Long, a second baseman, and Tyler Stephenson, a catcher.

But it wouldn't be surprising if they made a big offer anyway. The Yankees know how to make a splash and Machado is familiar with the American League East after playing most of his career with the Baltimore Orioles.