Saturday Review: Will Phillies Prevent White Sox From Splurging?
White Sox reported interest in major free agents this offseason could be thwarted by another team that is looking to spend heavily.
The White Sox have a good opportunity to add many free agents to their team this offseason. While the Sox have been rumored to have interest in major free agents such as Bryce Harper and Manny Machado, they could possibly have to outbid other teams for one or both players.
With the Sox needing to fill many holes on their roster going into next season, the franchise has positioned itself with great payroll flexibility to splurge on free agents. However, there may be another team that could prevent them from signing a top-tier free agent like Harper or Machado.
Phillies owner John Middleton mentioned that the team was looking to spend ‘stupid; money this offseason according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today. Vinnie Duber of NBC Sports Chicago takes a look at if Philadelphia has a chance to thwart the Sox efforts to sign Machado or Harper this offseason.
More from White Sox News
- The Chicago White Sox might have had a season ending loss
- The Chicago White Sox are expecting Tim Anderson back soon
- Miguel Cairo’s words spark life into the Chicago White Sox
- Dylan Cease should be the favorite for the AL Cy Young Award
- Ozzie Guillen speaks the whole truth about Tony La Russa
The Phillies won’t be the only team that will be interested in signing Harper or Machado but similar to the Sox, they could very well afford to sign both players. Philadelphia made some solid free agent signings last offseason and will attempt to continue adding veterans to help them compete in the National League East division in 2019.
There’s no guarantee the Phillies can sign either Harper or Machado this offseason. If Harper’s recent statement of Chicago having the best food is any indication of his future plans, the Sox could have an advantage over Philadelphia to sign him.
Carlos Rodon has yet to showcase his true potential over an entire season with the White Sox. After battling various injuries over the past few years, Rodon hasn’t been able to have much consistency in remaining healthy and showing why he was the third pick of the MLB draft in 2014 out of North Carolina State University.
Next. Past White Sox Rookie of the Year Winners. dark
James Fegan of The Athletic goes into detail about Rodon’s pitch selections from this past season and how the White Sox believe his true potential will be shown next year. Despite dealing with injuries and not having a strong end to his 2018 campaign, the belief is there from the Sox and Rodon’s agent that the best is yet to come for the left-handed starting pitcher.