White Sox reportedly remain ‘strong factor’ in Manny Machado pursuit

Don’t discount the Chicago White Sox in the Manny Machado pursuit.

Machado and Bryce Harper are the top two position players left on the market, players many thought would have been signed by now. The infielder has received strong interest from the White Sox, San Diego Padres, and Philadelphia Phillies, among others.

On Monday, The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal described the Sox as a “strong factor” with Machado.

#WhiteSox remain strong factor along with #Padres in Machado sweepstakes, sources tell The Athletic. Machado is said to be first choice of both front offices and preference of #Phillies’ front office as well, though ownerships in SD and PHI might not see it as convincingly.

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) February 19, 2019

Rosenthal’s piece of information comes a day after reports said the Padres had offered Machado over $250 million. On top of that, a report said the Yankees would consider signing Machado on a short-term deal.

Machado batted .297 with 37 home runs and a .905 OPS last season, split with the Orioles and Dodgers.