MLB Rumors: White Sox' Proposition For Machado Revealed, Phillies Could Outbid Rivals

Manny Machado continues to be one of the most sought after free agents in baseball and the shortstop is expected to make a decision in the coming weeks. He along with Bryce Harper are the two most wanted players this winter with a number of franchises pulling out all the stops to land them.

Machado is expected to be the first of the big guns to conclude his transfer saga with MLB Insider Anthony Castrovince predicting that he will join the New York Yankees in the next 10 days. And despite there being just three franchises – the Chicago White Sox and the Philadelphia Phillies being the other two – on his short list, it is not expected to be a simple decision.

The 26-year-old shortstop completed a three-city visit before the holidays in December, when he met up with the White Sox, the Yankees and the Phillies. He is said to be demanding a contract worth around 10-years worth close to $300 million.

The Yankees despite being installed as the favorites are not looking to offer Machado a long-term deal. They are said to be looking at a short-term contract with a annual average salary, but his desire to play for the storied New York franchise could convince him to take a smaller offer.

However, it was reported earlier that the Phillies and the White Sox are ready to spend big and give Machado and Harper their desired 10-year deals worth over $300 million. But that speculation was rubbished by 670 The Score’s Bruce Levine, who revealed that the White Sox are not willing to offer a deal more than seven-years to either free agent.

“Reports of the White Sox offering ten plus years for Manny Machado or Bryce Harper are ‘Without any substance and flat out wrong’ according to high ranking industry sources. White Sox will not be giving offer of more than 7 years for either player,” Levine wrote.

Moreover, NBC Sports Chicago are reporting that the White Sox are at a disadvantage if the race for Machado comes down to a bidding war. While they do have the flexibility to offer the deal desired by the shortstop, but will not able to beat the Phillies or the Yankees.

Phillies’ principal owner John Middleton revealed earlier in the offseason, that his team could spend a stupid amount of money in order to land their preferred targets and with no long-term financial commitments at the moment they are looking at both Machado and Harper.

When it comes to the Yankees, they are the team Machado wants, but with them not willing to break the bank, the White Sox and Phillies could have a chance if they bid significantly higher than the New York franchise.