Is Yonder Alonso Enough to Entice Machado to Sign With White Sox?
Brother-in-law of superstar free agent would love the chance to be a teammate. Can White Sox entice free agent to join brother-in-law on the south side?
Manny Machado met with the White Sox on Monday afternoon as part of his tour with interested teams this offseason. This was the first of three reported meetings this week between Machado and interested teams.
This past Friday, the White Sox traded for Yonder Alonso. The trade with the Cleveland Indians, a division rival of the Sox could have some implications for the team’s attempts at signing Machado. Machado is married to Alonso’s sister Yainee. The newly-acquired Alonso wasn’t shy about talking about the possibility of playing with his brother-in-law on the south side.
When speaking with reporters on a conference call in regards to his arrival to the Sox, Alonso detailed that he and Machado live near each other in Miami. Alonso didn’t mention he would attempt to recruit Machado to play with the Sox, however, but he did speak about how he would like for the superstar free agent to be his neighbor in Chicago.
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The Sox have had meetings with both Machado and Bryce Harper already this offseason. With the recent acquisition of Alonso, the Sox not only added a left-handed bat to its lineup but someone who is very close to Machado. This doesn’t mean it’s a guarantee that Machado will sign with the Sox.
There are other teams interested in Machado such as the Philadelphia Phillies, New York Yankees and a mystery team according to Jon Heyman of Fancred. The Sox will have to convince Machado that they’re close to contending for championships with his addition although they’re coming off a 100-loss season in 2018.
"“I definitely want him to be my neighbor, I’ll tell you that. I want him to be by my side. We have a really close relationship, but again, I know he is going to do his thing and make his own decision. He has his family to take care of.But I believe what better way to go than to go to the playoffs and do some big things together. But I think that will all take care of itself. He knows whatever is the best opportunity is for him and regardless of the situation, whether he comes to Chicago or goes elsewhere, I stand right behind him pushing him to be a better player — and hopefully not against us. Hopefully he’s next to me, and he’s able to play well” Yonder Alonso"
The Sox have other things in their favor to lure Machado. A top three farm system that boasts prospects that are close to making their major league debuts such as Eloy Jimenez and Dylan Cease. Chicago is also one of the better cities to play baseball in the summer and the Sox fanbase will undoubtedly support a winning team despite the tired jokes made by opposing fans.
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Having Machado’s brother-in-law on the team doesn’t hurt the Sox recruitment of the free agent. It will be up to Machado if he wants to join a young team with quality veteran leadership. Sox fans are ready to support a winning team and if Machado wants to be remembered as a legend in a great sport like Chicago, signing to play on the south side is his best option.