White Sox GM Rick Hahn first talked about the eventual rebuild during the 2016 season. Chris Sale was traded to the Red Sox that offseason, Adam Eaton was shipped off to the Nationals and then Jose Quintana was dealt to the Cubs. As many as six prospects are ranked in the top-100, and the front office has been aggressive this offseason. Manny Machado appears to be their top target and at this point there’s just no way they get outbid for him after preparing for two plus years and coming this far along in the process.
Padres remain hopeful to land one of the two big fish (Manny seems more likely, with Harper/Phillies heating up). Chisox plus mystery teams the main competition assuming Phils get their top target.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 17, 2019
There was a belief Machado preferred to be east and especially not be on the West Coast. However recent word in Miami circles has been that he’s going to take whatever the best deal is. #padres
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 17, 2019
Hmm, OK. Still no need to panic. We know the Padres did in fact meet with Machado in person in Miami, but we haven’t even seen any actual offers coming from San Diego.
🔥 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.
The #Padres’ offer to Manny Machado is an 8-year deal worth at least $240 million,with money deferred, rival GMs have been informed this weekend. Still unknown whether he wants to go to SD.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) February 18, 2019
Padres aren’t kidding around and are said to have made serious offers for both Machado and Harper. Their bid for Machado is believed to be for about $250M (and about 8 years) tho there is the Cali tax and possibly deferrals. Bid for Harper believed to be for more than that.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 18, 2019
All right fine, the Padres have a serious offer here, but California nearly has a state income tax three times higher than Illinois. Jeff Passan has reported the White Sox offered Machado an eight-year contract, while Hector Gomez has not backed off his report that the offer from the White Sox is worth $250 million.
So, if the two offers are similar, then the White Sox still have the edge because Machado will still earn more playing in Chicago than San Diego.
But, what if the Padres are actually offering way more than $250 million?
Some teams have been told the #Padres have offered as much as $280 million over 8 years for Manny Machado, others told $240 million.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) February 18, 2019
Bob Nightengale has also reported that the White Sox have only offered Machado $175 million.
Kevin Acee, Padres beat writer out in San Diego, was the first to break the team’s interest in Machado and according to him the Padres have offered more than $250 million to Machado.
I don’t know the years. But my understanding is offer to Machado is for more than $250 million. https://t.co/kSkJo5DVwo
— Kevin Acee (@sdutKevinAcee) February 18, 2019
But if you’re White Sox fan you’re probably skeptical about the Padres. It took them until January to finally become interested in Machado and have come in offering the biggest reported offer out there?
Maybe Machado’s camp is still trying to get the bidding war going, as the free agent reportedly is seeking a $300 million deal. Yet, what if the Padres are in fact a serious threat to the White Sox for Machado.
Just last year they jumped into the free agent market in February and signed Eric Hosmer to the biggest contract of the offseason. Would it really be that surprising if they do it again?
Don’t know how many years involved in “$250-plus” offer for Manny Machado, don’t know structure.
But #Padres got creative in landing Eric Hosmer, are working similar path here.
One thing they can do is give larger signing bonus. No state tax on SB since Machado a Fla. resident.— Kevin Acee (@sdutKevinAcee) February 18, 2019
Sure, the Padres can get creative, but the White Sox can make this very easy for Machado. It was reported that Jerry Reinsdorf didn’t want to get into a bidding war this offseason, so it’s time to make Machado an offer he can’t refuse. Write the check, Jerry. Stop fucking around and get this deal done with Machado, before some other team comes in and takes him away.
