The Chicago White Sox were unable to land Manny Machado and are unlikely to spend the kind of money it will take to sign Bryce Harper, but they may not be done making significant moves in free agency.
Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports that the White Sox will continue to pursue ways to make “small improvements,” and those could include signing pitcher Gio Gonzalez or outfielder Marwin Gonzalez.
The Chicago #WhiteSox, who are out of the Bryce Harper sweepstakes, still plan to make some smaller improvements to team after Manny Machado chose the #Padres. Versatile infielders Marwin Gonzalez and Josh Harrison, along with starter Gio Gonzalez, still on the free-agent board.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) February 20, 2019
Both Gio and Marwin Gonzalez could be two of the best bargains left in free agency. Gio seemed revitalized by a late-season trade to the Milwaukee Brewers last year, as he posted a 2.13 ERA in five starts with the team. Marwin has been a big part of the Houston Astros’ success in recent years and is coming off a season in which he hit .247 with 16 home runs and 68 RBI. The 29-year-old hit .303 with 23 home runs and 90 RBI in 2017 for the World Series champions.
Gio Gonzalez has drawn interest from at least one other team this offseason, but we haven’t heard much talk about him. That could change quickly with Manny Machado now off the board and Bryce Harper expected to sign in the coming days. Once the big fish are gone, the “cheaper” options should have an easier time finding new homes.
