Manny Machado Rumors: Where The Yankees Stand With MLB Free Agent, White Sox Are Real Contenders

Manny Machado Orioles White Sox — Manny Machado #13 of the Baltimore Orioles is greeted by teammates after hitting a home run against the Chicago White Sox during the fourth inning on May 21, 2018 at Guaranteed Rate Field in Chicago, Illinois. David Banks/Getty Images

We are getting closer and closer to pitchers and catchers reporting for spring training, and Manny Machado remains without a team. The free agent has three suitors ahead of the 2019 MLB season, though he might not be close to making a decision.

The New York Yankees’ unwillingness to meet the infielder’s contract demands could be the biggest reason for the wait. Machado reportedly wants to play in the Bronx, but the organization doesn’t seem to be interested in matching his asking price.

New York hasn’t made an official offer to the infielder, and if they do make one, it might not even be in the ballpark of what he is seeking. Machado began the offseason dreaming of a contract comparable to Giancarlo Stanton’s record-setting $325 million deal. He’s reportedly still hoping to make that kind of money, and the Yankees aren’t ready, at least at the moment, to give it to him.

It was reported at the beginning of the offseason that New York wouldn’t offer Machado a $300 million contract. Now, it appears the Yankees might not even be prepared to give him $200 million.

The two sides haven’t had much contact in the last 10 days, according to SNY.tv’s Andy Martino.

Yankees haven't been very engaged on Machado since New Years, per multiple sources, but here's the thing: It's hard to get an offer from Cashman but when he strikes he strikes quickly, aggressively. Regardless of how this looks like it's going, I'm not ready to believe its over
— Andy Martino (@martinonyc) January 10, 2019

Can’t confirm Yankees are out (there’s no word they’ve been told this at least), but as said, they haven’t engaged in negotiations lately or made an official offer. They aren’t meeting the believed 325M-plus target, or even 300. Or even coming especially close. https://t.co/pTjdkPLjSP
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 9, 2019

Chisox continue to try hard on Manny Machado. Not a surprise following the pickups they’ve already made. Appear to have at least given themselves a real chance.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 10, 2019

Jon Jay passes his physical, and now his $4 million contract with the #WhiteSox is official. Next on the White Sox agenda: His close friend, Manny Machado, who has been offered a contract for about $200 million from the Sox.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) January 10, 2019

No team has yet to offer Machado a $300 million contract, so the Yankees remain in the race for the four-time All-Star. The Philadelphia Phillies are believed to have made him the biggest offer, possibly worth around $250 million, according to reports.

Between Machado’s interest in New York and Philadelphia’s willingness to spend “stupid” money, many had believed it would be a two-team race for the infielder. The Chicago White, Sox, however, have emerged as real contenders to sign the superstar.

Chicago’s reported offer of close to $200 million could actually be a competitive one, considering what the market for Machado has been. They are also putting together a roster that could be attractive to Machado after acquiring two of his closest friends in baseball.

MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand reported that Philadelphia’s pursuit of Machado is “heating up.” They are considered to be the favorites to sign Machado, followed by the White Sox.

While the Yankees remain a possibility, they are looking like the least likely of the three teams to land Machado.

Major league baseball