There weren’t many major surprises for White Sox fans during day one of SoxFest but there were some interesting notes from the annual convention.
White Sox fans have been very engaged this offseason as there’s been a buzz surrounding the franchise and its pursuit of superstar free agents. While Manny Machado didn’t make a surprise announcement of signing with the Sox during day one of SoxFest, there were some interesting notes that came out of Friday.
The Sox have been linked to both Machado and the other superstar free agent of this offseason Bryce Harper. There hasn’t been much progress made since the Sox reportedly offered Machado a contract earlier this month, but the front office continues to show confidence in their efforts to sign him.
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2 SoxFest takeaways on the White Sox’s free agency efforts-The Athletic (subscription required)
James Fegan of The Athletic details a few takeaways from SoxFest in regards to the Sox free agency efforts. While the Sox haven’t signed a player to a contract worth more than $68 million, the franchise set itself up well to target players that would command a much higher contract this offseason.
The Sox made pitches to both Harper and Machado this offseason. Many Sox fans might think just the manager Rick Renteria, general manager Rick Hahn, and a few players were a part of those pitches but there were many more individuals within the Sox front office that helped out.
Ozzie Guillen is back at SoxFest and to be a part of the White Sox organization-NBC Sports Chicago
Ozzie Guillen‘s tenure as manager of the Sox didn’t end well back in 2011. After guiding the Sox to two playoff appearances and a World Series championship, Guillen was fired as manager just before the end of the 2011 season.
Guillen hasn’t managed since 2012 with the Miami Marlins. It doesn’t appear that Guillen will manage again in the Majors, but the former Sox shortstop and manager wants to be a part of the Sox organization. Guillen isn’t looking to be the Sox next manager but he is looking to work with the organization in a similar capacity as Hall of Famer Jim Thome.