Southside Showdown Predicts If White Sox Can Sign Harper or Machado

There’s no denying how comfortable we all feel around family members we love and cherish. Having family around is important for most of us. With the Sox trading for Alonso, they put themselves in a good spot to attract Machado.

Having solid payroll flexibility doesn’t hurt the Sox either and that’s what they have this offseason. After deciding to finally rebuild after the 2016 season, the Sox planned for this very offseason by limiting their long-term commitments. The Sox could very well sign a player to a contract worth more than their current high of $68 million.

Harper or Machado will likely sign a contract worth nearly four times as much as $68 million. The Sox could be that team that signs either player to a contract of close to or more than $300 million. But which player is likely to sign with the Sox? My money is on Machado.

I think Machado signing with the Sox is more likely than Harper. Machado would be a good addition at third base for the Sox and he will be playing with his brother-in-law. The Sox can also afford to offer more than the Yankees for Machado although the 26-year-old has been rumored to be preferring New York.

For Harper, the Sox might not be able to pay to sign him, it’s hard to see this 26-year-old wanting to join a team coming off a 100-loss season. It will take a lot for the Sox to convince Harper that he should join their franchise. Harper would surely bring more attention to the Sox, but it appears he wants to join a team that is closer to contending in 2019.

My predicted salary for each player:

Manny Machado-White Sox, 10 years, $310 million with an opt-out in the third, fourth and fifth year.

Bryce Harper-Nationals, 10 years, $330 million with an opt-out in the second, third and fifth year.