Phillies, White Sox Can Sign Manny Machado With Big Contract Offer With Yankees Likely Out Of Race

It looks like the three-team race in the Manny Machado Sweepstakes has just lost one of its contenders. The New York Yankees reportedly agreed to a two-year, $24 million contract with second baseman DJ LeMahieu Friday afternoon, likely eliminating them as a possible landing spot for the superstar free agent.

That means Machado is expected to sign with the Philadelphia Phillies or Chicago White Sox. The infielder met with both clubs a few weeks ago, but it appears neither has met Machado’s asking price yet.

Chicago has offered Machado a contract worth close to $200 million, according to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale. It’s unknown exactly what Philadelphia has offered, but it’s believed that the Phillies might have indicated to the four-time All-Star that they are willing to pay him around $250 million. Machado reportedly still wants a $300 million contract, and potentially one that surpasses Giancarlo Stanton’s record-setting $325 million deal.

The Yankees probably never made Machado an official offer and might not have been willing to approach $200 million.

Both Chicago and Philadelphia are among the contenders to sign Bryce Harper. The outfielder will likely demand even more money than Machado. The Phillies reportedly prefer Machado, and their pursuit of the infielder could increase over the next few days.

If Machado is truly holding out for a historic contract, the White Sox and Phillies probably control their own destiny when it comes to their odds of landing the 26-year-old. Making him a 10-year offer worth at least $30 million would probably get the job done.

There was speculation that Machado might be willing to take a discount to play with the Yankees, who were his first choice. That no longer appears to be a realistic option.

Few teams in baseball have more money to spend than Chicago and Philadelphia. The White Sox had the second-lowest payroll in 2018, and they’ve got a core of young players that will be cheap for the next few years. The Phillies ranked 23rd with a payroll just north of $100 million last season, and ownership has made it clear that the organization is ready to hand out lucrative contracts this offseason.

The White Sox and Phillies have both finished below .500 in each of the last six seasons.