MLB free agency: White Sox likely to pursue Manny Machado

The White Sox are a likely candidate to go after star shortstop Manny Machado when he hits free agency after this season, according to Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports.

Heyman says that one rival general manager believes that the White Sox are “a dark horse” to pursue Machado, who is playing on a one-year, $16 million deal with the Orioles. The reason for this siggestion is because White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf makes a “big splash” signing from time to time, and “Machado would fit that bill.”

Outside of a 259/.310/.471 slash line last year, the 25-year-old Machado has been one of the best in the game, hitting over 30 home runs in each of the last three seasons and driving in over 90 runs in each of the last two campaigns. This year, Machado has swung the bat incredibly well, slashing .338/.418/.650 with six homers and 15 RBI in 20 games.

The key for the White Sox will be how he can fit with their young roster. Machado has expressed tha he wants to stay at shortstop for the rest of his career after playing his first six seasons at third base, where he was a three-time All-Star and two-time Gold Glove winner. As Heyman points out, the White Sox did sign current shortstop Tim Anderson to a six-year deal last year, but the club would move him if they have a great chance to land Machado. The White Sox have one of the best farm systems in the game and are hoping to contend as early as next season. If they land him, he could join an infield that may include Anderson, Yoan Moncada and/or Jake Burger, who is recovering from a ruptured Achilles.

Machado has drawn interest from the Yankees, Red Sox, Diamondbacks, Dodgers, Cardinals, Indians and Phillies. Heyman says the Cubs “can’t be ruled out” in the sweepstakes for him as well.