Several conflicting reports from national baseball insiders have surfaced over the free agency of Manny Machado in recent weeks. Initially, there were three teams seen as favorites to land the 26-year-old superstar: the New York Yankees, Chicago White Sox, and Philadelphia Phillies.
Now, Machado’s father, Manuel, told Hector Gomez of Z101 Digital that the Dodgers have inserted themselves into the discussion by offering Manny a contract.
“Manny has received offers from different teams: Yankees, Dodgers, Phillies, now there’s a lot of interest from the White Sox,” were Manuel’s words to Gomez.
The interest from the Yankees, Phillies, and White Sox lines up with what other reporters are saying, although the Dodgers have been quiet on Machado’s end.
The details of the Dodgers’ alleged offer are not known. According to Buster Olney of ESPN, the White Sox made a seven-year, $175 million offer, although Jeff Passan reported that the offer was eight years at $250 million.
Dan Lozano, Machado’s agent, issued a statement claiming the $175 million offer was false, specifically calling out Bob Nightengale and Olney’s claims.
Gomez’s report could be just another one of these inaccurate reports, although it is interesting to see the Dodgers emerge as a team looking for Machado’s services.
He and Bryce Harper came into the offseason expecting deals north of $300 million for close to 10 years. Although, it seems neither of them are receiving these types of contracts, as teams are scared of such long commitments.
It’s hard to predict where they will sign, but Machado is a significant upgrade to any lineup, whether or not he decides to stick at shortstop or return to third base.
Source: “Los Angeles” – Google News