White Sox: Rick Hahn Shares Thoughts on Harper, Machado Signing
![BALTIMORE, MD - JULY 10: Bryce Harper #34 of the Washington Nationals and Manny Machado #13 of the Baltimore Orioles talk during their game at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on July 10, 2015 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) BALTIMORE, MD - JULY 10: Bryce Harper #34 of the Washington Nationals and Manny Machado #13 of the Baltimore Orioles talk during their game at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on July 10, 2015 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2Fsouthsideshowdown-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fgetty-images-2F2017-2F07-2F480967738-1-850x560-17213f52f5eb751d59cb0da88374b771.jpg)
If you’re expecting the White Sox to sign both of the top two free agents available, you could be in for some bad news according to Rick Hahn.
White Sox fans have been dreaming about their favorite team signing either Bryce Harper or Manny Machado since last November. When reports came out linking the Sox to being interested in each player, fans haven’t been able to let go of the possibility of either player in a Sox uniform in 2019.
The Sox do have enough payroll flexibility to sign either player and could very well sign both players. However, Sox general manager Rick Hahn shot down the notion of Harper and Machado becoming teammates on the South Side. On Saturday, Hahn mentioned that Sox fans shouldn’t expect the team to sign both players as he cited concerns with payroll flexibility in the future.
"“These are obviously not the last two free agents that we intend to add in the future. Having two commitments of the magnitude they’re gonna require on the same roster probably limits your flexibility and might not be the strongest move for us long term.” Rick Hahn"
Although the Sox currently have enough payroll flexibility to add both Harper and Machado, signing both players would certainly limit their payroll going forward. The Sox have many young players that will likely need to be given contract extensions in the future. By signing both Harper and Machado, the Sox could perhaps limit their ability to put forth a consistent contender in the near future.
Nicky Delmonico Mentions Cubs as Worst Fans He’s Dealt With
Speaking at a panel for children on Saturday at SoxFest, Nicky Delmonico answered a question about which fans he felt were the worst to deal with. Not surprisingly, Delmonico mentioned Cubs fans were the worst fans he’s dealt with in his major league career.
Next. White Sox Should Consider Alternative to Signing Manny Machado. dark
While some Cubs fans might think Sox fans only care about the team on the North Side, Delmonico just gave an answer to which fans he felt were the worst he’s dealt with. The crosstown rivalry between the Cubs and Sox is good for baseball and good for Chicago.
Delmonico might share the same feelings about the Cubs as most Sox fans but it would be nice if both teams could meet in a World Series sooner than later. That would surely ignite more passion from both sides of town.