Will White Sox Spend Big on Free Agents Next Offseason?

BALTIMORE, MD - AUGUST 18: Manny Machado
BALTIMORE, MD - AUGUST 18: Manny Machado /
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White Sox aren’t known for spending big on free agents, but could team splurge in an offseason that will feature many top-tier free agent players?

The Chicago White Sox were rumored to have expressed interest in trading for Manny Machado early last week. Many people were surprised the Sox would be interested in trading for a player that’s expected to hit free agency next offseason.

With the Sox entering another rebuilding season in 2018, the team has the chance to make some big splashes during next offseason. Many top-tier players are expected to test free agency next offseason in Machado, Bryce Harper, and Josh Donaldson. Although the Sox haven’t signed a player to a contract worth more than $68 million, don’t expect them to not be aggressive next offseason with free agents.

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The Sox already have a bevy of talented young prospects on the team and in the minors. In order to complement these players, the team will need to add some veterans over the next few years. Next offseason gives the Sox the chance to add an impact player or two through free agency. There are many skeptics who believe the Sox can’t compete with other teams who have deep pockets, but Rick Hahn doesn’t think past history should dictate the organization’s future efforts.

According to Scott Merkin of whitesox.com, Hahn pointed out many examples of the Sox doing things differently than what many expected. From a crosstown trade with the Cubs to spending heavily to sign Luis Robert, the Sox surprised many over the past year.

"“I think the moves over the past year-plus reinforced our words and have put us in a position to have a very bright future. When it comes time to add to what we’ve accumulated or continue this process, it’s going to be with the vision of putting ourselves in the position to contend for multiple championships. In the end, that’s what’s going to be more important — the ability to win championships than send messages.” Rick Hahn"

Next: Report: White Sox Still Involved in Trade Talks for Manny Machado

The Sox will be in a good position to add more talent next year to a team that could contend for many years. Merkin mentioned that Hahn has stated numerous times that Sox chairman Jerry Reinsdorf will spend money when the time is right. Next offseason will certainly be the right time for the Sox to splurge on free agents. If they’re able to sign a top-tier free agent next offseason, expect the Sox to be a very exciting team in 2019 and beyond.