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White Sox Rumors: Details on Manny Machado’s Contract Offer

By Etheria Modacure

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 28: Former MLB player Frank Thomas and Manny Machado #8 of the Los Angeles Dodgers shake hands prior to Game Five of the 2018 World Series at Dodger Stadium on October 28, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 28: Former MLB player Frank Thomas and Manny Machado #8 of the Los Angeles Dodgers shake hands prior to Game Five of the 2018 World Series at Dodger Stadium on October 28, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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The latest White Sox rumors details the contract offer to superstar free agent and if other teams can take advantage of the offer and possibly beat it.

Earlier this week, there were reports indicating the White Sox had offered Manny Machado just a seven-year, $175 million deal. Although Machado’s agent, Dan Lozano refuted those reports, another report released recently details more about the Sox contract offer to the free agent.

Andy Martino of SNY reported about details of the Sox offer to Machado. Martino wrote the Sox and Machado’s camp have discussed a contract that will allow Chicago to exercise an option after the third year. This would give the Sox team control for an eight or ninth year according to a source wrote Martino.

"“The sides have at least discussed a contract structure that would allow Chicago to exercise an option after year three that would trigger team control for an eighth or ninth year, according to major league sources. This probably accounts for some of the confusion over whether Machado has a seven or eight year offer on the table. He has likely been offered a contract that could be either.” Andy Martino"

Martino’s stance on this is how a contract like this could potentially help the New York Yankees sign Machado. According to Martino, the Yankees already agreed to a somewhat similar contract structure with Zach Britton. This contract structure has been referred to as a ‘swellpot’ by Scott Boras according to Martino.

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If the Sox did indeed offer a contract to Machado that allows him to opt out after the 2021 season, it would be somewhat similar to the contract Albert Belle signed as a free agent in 1996. Belle only played two seasons with the Sox as his contract allowed him to demand he be one of the top three highest-paid players in MLB.

After the Sox didn’t meet his demands after the 1998 season, Belle once again became a free agent and signed with the Baltimore Orioles.

Having Machado on board for three years could work for the Sox. If they’re able to be competitive beginning this upcoming season or in 2020, it could entice Machado to avoid opting out of his contract after the 2021 season. However, if Machado were to only play with the Sox for three seasons, the franchise wouldn’t be on the hook for the remainder of the deal if he opted out.

"“For the club, if the player performs well, the club can opt in (contract swells). For the player, if the club doesn’t opt in, the player has the choice to continue with contract (swell) or opt out. It’s a swell option for both.” Scott Boras"

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With Machado still deciding on what team he will sign with, it wouldn’t be surprising if Sox fans have started to become impatient. Machado is a superstar free agent and could have some more productive seasons ahead of him. If the Sox are able to sign Machado, it would greatly help their current rebuilding efforts. For now, everyone will just have to wait until Machado makes his decision.

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