MLB Rumors: Why Machado Rejected White Sox Offer, Padres Schedule Player Unveiling

Manny Machado finally went off the market after three months of constant speculation after the in-demand shortstop signed a 10-year $300 million deal with the San Diego Padres. The confirmation of the deal from either side was yet to arrive, pending a couple of physicals.

There was a considerable amount of surprise when the Padres won the race for Machado as they were late entrants into the race for the free agent, who was probably the second-most sought-after after Bryce Harper during the current offseason.

The San Diego franchise only met Machado in January before which the Chicago White Sox, Philadelphia Phillies, and the New York Yankees were touted as the three main pursuers. The first among the aforementioned trio were believed to be the favorites as not only were they the first to make a concrete offer, but also signed the shortstop’s brother-in-law and close friend in order to tempt him to move to Chicago.

The White Sox were said to have offered Machado a deal worth around $250 million over eight years and executive vice-president Kenny Williams believed it was the best offer on the table. He was quite shocked when informed about the Padres’ $300 million offer which Machado had accepted.

"I'm wearing my shades, so you can't see the shock in my eyes," Williams said after Machado’s decision was reported, as quoted on ESPN. "Very surprised. There are a few other words you could put on that, but still in a little bit of disbelief. ... I honestly believe we had the best offer on the table."

However, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the actual offer on the table from the White Sox could have been much higher than the Padres had the shortstop reached certain incentives. There were said to be a couple of options in the deal that would have taken it to $320 million. Moreover, if Machado stayed healthy for the entire period of eight years, it would have been worth $340 million.

But sources are said to have told the MLB insider Machado and his camp were not interested in the incentivized deal from Chicago and instead opted for $300 million guaranteed money from the San Diego franchise.

White Sox manager Rick Renteria was also disappointed but made it clear the team needed to close the book on Machado and move on to prepare for the new season, stating: "I think we have to quickly move on from it. We wish [Machado] the best. ... It behooves us to put it behind us and keep moving."

Meanwhile, according to the San Diego Union Tribune, Machado was spotted at Petco Park on Wednesday where he underwent his first physical and would undergo another one on Thursday, requirements for the insurer protecting the Padres’ $300 million investment at a hefty premium.

The franchise was reportedly planning to officially introduce Machado during a press conference on Friday morning, but the company running their team store seemed to have jumped the gun by putting out Machado 13 jerseys up for sale. They were quickly taken off the shop floor after the Padres were informed.