MLB Rumors: Machado, White Sox Offer Remains At $210M, Yankees Not Favored

Manny Machado is yet to make a decision about his next destination but the picture is slowly becoming clearer, with interested teams now making concrete offers to ensure they do not lose out on one of the most coveted free agents this offseason.

It was clear from the beginning that the New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies and the Chicago White Sox were the three main contenders for the shortstop’s signature. He even met with the three teams at their respective stadiums before the holiday season in December.

In the immediate aftermath of the meetings, the Yankees were touted as the favorites and were said to be Machado’s preference over the other two franchises. But the New York franchise is unwilling to offer the infielder the contract he is demanding – a long-term deal worth over $300 million.

This has seen them seemingly drop out of the race, with SNY’s Andy Martino reporting that Machado, despite wanting to join the Yankees, would not accept a discount to make the move. He is expected to join the highest bidder this offseason.

The Phillies and the White Sox can outbid the Yankees and the former’s owner John Middleton has previously revealed they were willing to spend a "stupid" amount of money to land their preferred targets before the new season begins.

The White Sox were probably the only team that have made a concrete offer thus far, but Sunday’s report about them having upped their offer to eight years for Machado have been dismissed.

ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported the Chicago franchise has made a fresh offer for the shortstop, and Dominican Republic journalist Hector Gomez went as far as to say the deal was worth $250 million.

However, according to 670 The Score’s Bruce Levine, the reports are false and inside sources are said to have confirmed that the offer on the table remains the same, which is said to be a deal for seven years. He went on to add that the annual average value of the deal was between $25 million and $30 million, which would make it $175-210 million over seven years.

The Phillies were said to have made Machado their first preference this offseason, but they seem to have dropped down in the race after their meeting with Bryce Harper – the other in-demand free agent – on Saturday.

The Philadelphia team have now been installed as the favorites to land the right-fielder, which gives the White Sox a clear run at Machado. The Phillies have the funds to sign both, but it remains unlikely that they will offer mega deals to two players demanding in excess of $300 million.