Fans shit on reporters all the time, myself included. As a matter of fact, I was all over Buster Olney, making fun of his report early in the offseason that said the Cubs were maybe thinking about trading Kris Bryant. That came after Theo Epstein said the front office didn’t believe in untouchables, but that Bryant wasn’t going anywhere. Sadly for White Sox fans, Olney was right about the White Sox and their pursuit of Manny Machado and Bryce Harper.
Entering the offseason, every MLB fan knew it was going to take record-breaking deals to attract Machado and Harper. Back in December, before the White Sox made Machado their prime target, the Harper speculation was at an all-time high for White Sox fans. The team’s focus later changed in January, when Machado moved to the top of their list.
Yet, as we know from the past couple weeks, the White Sox failed to sign Machado, who instead agreed to a record 10-year, $300 million contract with the Padres. And on Thursday, Bryce Harper set a new record, agreeing to sign with the Phillies for $330 million over 13 years.
After Machado passed on Chicago’s eight-year, $250 million guaranteed offer, that had two team options and more incentives, they played no factor in the Harper pursuit at the end.
🔥 Subscribe to the Untold Chicago YouTube channel to hear Chicago legends tell stories you’ve never seen in headlines — real moments, real experiences, straight from the athletes themselves.
Jerry Reinsdorf, Kenny Williams and Rick Hahn were unwilling to commit at least 10 years for either superstar free agent and they were left feeling sorry for themselves because of it.
Buster Olney told everyone that was going to be the case back on Dec. 15, 2018.
Buster's Buzz: White Sox have their limits on Machado, Harper https://t.co/HR8GEdBFsq
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) December 15, 2018
Buster Olney on White Sox pursuit of Harper/Machado https://t.co/pFB9G2HoS4 pic.twitter.com/mSnoBDDeHr
— Write Sox (@WriteSox) December 15, 2018
Sure, the White Sox finished runner-up to the Padres for Machado, but they acted like they were the only team trying to sign him with their offer. As far as Harper, that pursuit was over once Williams said the White Sox couldn’t go to $300 million for a player.
Buster Olney was right and that really sucks for White Sox fans.
