White Sox move on after a rough start to the week with news of them missing out on signing superstar free agent they were pursuing this offseason.
This week has likely been one of the more tougher weeks for news for the White Sox. Not only did the franchise miss out on signing a superstar free agent in Manny Machado, but many fans have turned against the front office and ownership.
The White Sox were involved in discussions to sign Machado throughout the offseason but were outbid by the San Diego Padres. Many fans and even surprisingly, some writers, have questioned the Sox front office and their inability to sign Machado as they reportedly offered an eight-year $250 million contract with incentives for it to be much higher.
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With the Padres signing Machado to a 10-year, $300 million deal, questions have been raised as to why the Sox didn’t just guarantee an additional two years and $50 million to the All-Star infielder. While most Sox fans will continue to be upset that Machado didn’t sign with their favorite team, players have already started to move on.
Tim Anderson, the Sox often outspoken shortstop was one player who is glad Machado finally made a decision. For Anderson, he’s not concerned about the Sox not signing Machado or even Bryce Harper as he knows the team will continue rolling without either player.
"“I could (not) care less about (Bryce) Harper and Machado’s situation. I know where we’re headed. We have a great group of guys here. We’re going to be South Side regardless. Nobody’s decision determines what we’ve got going on in this locker room. I feel we have a great group of guys here. We’re going to do something special. The White Sox are moving in the right direction. One decision won’t dictate our season.”"
The White Sox did miss out on an opportunity to add a premier free agent in Machado, but it doesn’t mean the team won’t be competitive in the coming years. For now, the focus for the current players on the team is to get better through Spring Training. Yonder Alonso, the brother-in-law of Machado was acquired via trade this offseason and mentioned that the focus currently is on the players that are a part of the Sox.
"“Inside this room, the 60-plus players, plus the coaching staff, the front office, it’s always been about the guys in here. It’s been about going out there and getting better every single day and taking care of one another.“The media, at times, can maybe pull out a different take on things, but I know for us inside this room, we’re all one and we’re all together. Win or lose, we’re still going to be together, we’re going to keep our heads very high and continue to compete at a high level, and bring a championship home.”"
For all of the criticism the Sox front office and ownership has received over the past few days, good acquisitions were made throughout the offseason to put the team in a better position to be competitive in 2019. There is still time left for Sox general manager Rick Hahn to make some trades or sign free agents before the season begins.
Sadly, the Sox have given many fans and media members reasons to doubt them going forward. However, the Sox efforts to sign Machado shouldn’t go unnoticed. Who knows, ten years from now those same people that are upset about Machado signing elsewhere, may look back and realize the Sox possibly dodged a bullet in not guaranteeing him a $300 million, 10-year deal. Some of the best moves are the moves that aren’t made.