Manny Machado Rumors: Yankees, Phillies, White Sox Still In The Mix To Sign Free Agent Star?

Major League Baseball teams are already getting together to begin spring training, but a handful of rosters around the league are leaving big spots open in the hopes that they land a big-name free agent. Former Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Manny Machado is one of the biggest names out there, but he still has yet to sign a deal anywhere.

Machado had been linked to the New York Yankees earlier in the offseason, but rumors about him heading to the Bronx died down a bit as time went on. However, Yankees GM Brian Cashman said to never say never, according to the New York Post.

On the topic of potentially signing Machado or other sought-after free agent Bryce Harper, Cashman said he is “doing [his] job.”

“Whether it is those two players or other players,” Cashman said, per the Post. “The job at hand is to constantly be open-minded to ways to make this work.’’

Another potential suitor for Machado is the Philadelphia Phillies. Team president Andy MacPhail did not tip his hand when asked about the possibility of landing either Machado or Harper, simply saying the Phillies are “uniquely poised” to compete for championships regardless of what happens.

The situation is fluid, but it is believed the Phillies are favorites to land Harper. That could reduce their chances of getting Machado.

Machado reportedly wants a contract worth around $300 million, but it is unclear if anyone has offered that to him yet. The expectation is that Harper will sign his new deal first, with Machado likely following soon after.

Reports suggested the Chicago White Sox had offered Machado $250 million over eight years, but MLB Network insider Jon Heyman said that was not accurate. According to Heyman, their offer was somewhere between $175 and $250 million.

The White Sox are confident enough in their ability to land Machado that they have kept an open locker just in case.