MLB Rumors: Phillies, White Sox And Yankees In Hot Pursuit Of Machado

[Correction: A previous version of this article misidentified the team interested in Manny Machado. He has drawn interest from the Chicago White Sox not the Boston Red Sox.]

Manny Machado is one of the top free agents in the market and is expected to be a prime target of several teams. The Philadelphia Phillies and New York Yankees have their eye on the shortstop but several other teams could make a move for the 26-year-old superstar.

As far as the Phillies are concerned, it seems that they have no qualms about dropping a record-breaking contract, MLB.com reported. But Bryce Harper is also on the Phillies' radar and though the idea of Machado and Harper playing together might seem enticing, it seems quite unrealistic.

The Yankees, always interested in adding a bit bat, are scheduled to meet up with Machado. According to another report from MLB.com, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman has already had several talks with the Machado's agent Danny Lozano.

With Didi Gregorius sidelined after undergoing surgery, Machado should be perfect to fill in the void on the left side of the infield. However, New York is also in the market for starting pitching and bullpen depth.

Machado didn't exactly do himself any favors with his perceived childish behavior near the end of the 2018 season. During the Los Angeles Dodgers' National League Championship Series against the Milwaukee Brewers, he said that he was "not the type of player that's going to be Johnny Hustle."

Then there was the incident with the Brewers' Jesus Aguilar. Machado stepped on the foot of the Brewers' first baseman prompting the benches to clear.

It isn't just the Yankees and Phillies who are interested in Machado. The Chicago White Sox are scheduled to meet with Machado next week. The White Sox appear to be a dark horse contender given their possible payroll limitations.

Aside from the Phillies, White Sox and Yankees, there are reports that other teams have scheduled to meet Machado next week.

In 2018, Machado finished with a .273 batting average, 13 home runs and 42 RBI with the Dodgers. He played a total of 162 games, posting a .297 average to go along with 37 home runs and 103 RBI.