Report: White Sox out on Bryce Harper free agency

The Chicago White Sox initially were viewed as one of the contenders to sign Bryce Harper, but they are no longer a factor in his free agency, according to a report.

Bruce Levine of 670 The Score in Chicago reported on Thursday that the White Sox will not bid on Harper. Chicago met with Harper in November and was regarded at one point as a favorite to sign him.

The White Sox also had interest in Manny Machado and were believed to have been targeting the infielder even more. They were stunned when Machado chose to sign with the San Diego Padres instead, leaving them without their top target.

Rather than spend big-time money on Harper, it seems the White Sox will focus on some lower-cost options now.