White Sox may not be able to sign top free agents but there are other players the franchise can sign to build a contending team for next season.
Attention Chicago White Sox fans. The sky isn’t falling. The Sox could perhaps miss out on signing Bryce Harper or Manny Machado this offseason but there are still other players available that could help the team for next season.
A recent trade by the Los Angeles Dodgers could afford the team some payroll flexibility to go after Harper. Machado reportedly prefers the New York Yankees and some Sox fans are concerned the franchise has missed out on adding either superstar free agent this offseason.
Some of the players still available that can fill voids for the Sox include Marwin Gonzalez, Mike Moustakas, Adam Jones, and A.J. Pollock. These aforementioned players might not be the same caliber as Harper or Machado but they can still help the Sox in the short-term.
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Sox fans would certainly love if the franchise could sign a top free agent as there hasn’t been a player signed to a contract of more than $68 million to play on the south side. The Sox front office did a good job preparing for this offseason when they began rebuilding after the 2016 season.
However, despite their preparation to target top free agents, it will come down to either Harper or Machado on if they want to sign with the Sox. If neither Harper or Machado want to sign with the Sox, the franchise must act quickly to sign other players to fill their current voids. The Sox can’t allow the opportunity to add talent this offseason to pass them by.
It might not be reassuring for some Sox fans to read that the franchise might not sign Harper or Machado. Of course, having a superstar free agent such as Harper or even Machado in a Sox uniform on Opening Day would be great for fans, the south side team can still field a competitive team for 2019 by signing other players.
This offseason shouldn’t be considered a failure if the Sox don’t sign Harper or Machado. The only way to consider this offseason a failure for the Sox is if the franchise doesn’t address their needs before the start of next season. Entering the 2019 season, the Sox could have a much better team than they’ve had in quite some time only if they fill their voids with solid players. If not, expect another long season Sox fans.