Manny Machado Rumors: MLB Star Wants $300 Million Contract, Bryce Harper To Sign First

Manny Machado’s free agency has lasted far longer than expected. Some projected the Bryce Harper Sweepstakes to continue into February, but the best infielder on the market was supposed to sign with a team before the start of spring training, considering he held meetings with three suitors in the week before Christmas.

Two months after visiting the Chicago White Sox, New York Yankees and Philadelphia Phillies, Machado doesn’t seem to be any closer to signing a contract. He recently met with San Diego Padres’ general manager A.J. Preller as he waits for a team to meet his asking price.

During the 2018 MLB season, it was predicted that Machado might sign a contract in the area of Giancarlo Stanton’s record-setting $325 million deal. It’s unknown exactly what Machado’s suitors have offered him, but it’s clear he hasn’t received anything particularly close to a historic deal.

Reports of Machado getting a $175 million offer might be low, but it doesn’t sound like he’s been presented with a deal worth more than $250 million. The 26-year-old is still looking to make $300 million, and he might remain unsigned for a while if no such contract comes his way.

Machado’s best chance of getting close to $300 million might be for Harper to join a team before the infielder does. A few teams have met with both free agents, and they could be forced to engage in a bidding war if Harper goes off the market first.

The Philadelphia Phillies have pursued both players. Even though the team has made several upgrades this winter, their offseason would be considered a failure by many if they don’t land Harper or Machado. Let’s say Harper decides to re-sign with the Washington Nationals: the Phillies, who’ve said they could spend “stupid” money, might very well throw $300 million at Machado to make sure they don’t miss out on both free agents.

The Chicago White Sox are considered to be the favorites to sign Machado. They might be forced to up their offer to the four-time All-Star if Harper signs with a team other than Philadelphia.

San Diego is reportedly serious about pursuing both players. They took much of the league by surprise when they gave Eric Hosmer $144 million last offseason. It’s possible that they could make a big play for Machado if Harper takes a deal with another team.

The Yankees seem unwilling to raise their offer to Machado, no matter what happens in free agency. New York has reportedly been Machado’s preferred destination if all of the contract offers were equal.