The landscape for MLB-free agents has changed. The money in contracts is getting bigger, and the number of years is getting longer. So far this offseason, we have already seen three contracts that have exceeded ten years. It's time for MLB teams to adapt or die. Unfortunately, this spells bad news for the future of the White Sox. 

Look at a few of the largest contracts handed out this offseason. Carlos Correa signed a 13-year, $350 million free-agent contract with the Giants. Trea Turner inked an 11-year, $300 million deal with the Phillies. Xander Bogaerts received an 11-year $280 million contract from the Padres. Jacob deGrom got a 5-year deal worth $185 million with the Rangers. 

Yet To Hand Out Deal North Of $100 Million

What is one thing all these teams have in common? They are all trying to contend next season. If you want to sign a superstar, you've got to pay to play. This is concerning if you are a White Sox fan. They are one of just three other teams (Pirates, Athletics, Royals )who have yet to hand out a contract worth more than $100 million. The Royals are the only team in the group to have a World Series in the last ten years, and that is only because they built up a hell of a farm system. 

The other three teams have no reason to hand out a contract north of $100 million. They are all in the middle of a rebuild. They also play in small markets, so it makes sense why they aren't handing out mega deals to free agents. The White Sox play in the third-largest market in the country. They have no excuse. 

Keep in mind the White Sox are in their so-called contention window. During the 2020 offseason, Rick Hahn famously said, "in terms of feeling like we've accomplished something or being satisfied, ask me after the parade." If a parade is the end goal, then the lack of activity this offseason is concerning. 

Free agent signings are supposed to be used as the finishing touches to get an up-and-coming team over the top. Take the Cubs adding Jon Lester, the Washington Nationals adding Max Scherzer, or even the Phillies adding Bryce Harper, for example. All it takes is one impactful big-name signing to turn things around for a franchise. 

If this year's offseason has taught us anything, it's that to get these types of players now a day's; you have to spend over $100 million. The White Sox were not linked to any impactful talent this offseason. Even when they were in the famous Manny Machado and Bryce Harper sweepstakes, they wound up settling with having a "seat at the table." 

We need to see it happen before we believe that Jerry Reinsdorf will give the green light on a deal that large.  

Hahn Has A Terrible Track Record Signing Free Agents 

No, $100 million contracts are not the only issue. There is a notion that the White Sox are cheap. That isn't necessarily the case. In 2022 they had the seventh-highest payroll in baseball. In fact, they spent $52,566,909 more than the league average. 

So why have things gone so far south? Part of this is due to injuries to some key players. Blame can also be placed on prospects like Yoan Moncada and Luis Robert for not living up to their lofty expectations when they entered the league. But it's also because Rick Hahn allocated the resources given to him poorly. His free-agent signings have turned out terribly.

Yasmani Grandal received the largest contract in White Sox history. It was a four-year deal worth $73 million. So far, he has failed to stay healthy, hit .222, and is coming off a season in which he hit just five home runs and 27 RBIs. 

Dallas Keuchel inked a three-year $55 million free-agent deal. He got lit up in 2021, posting a 5.28 ERA, and was left off the playoff roster. Things got so bad in 2022 that he was released eight starts into the season after getting shelled to the tune of a 7.88 ERA. 

Another move Hahn made was to sign Adam Eaton to a one-year deal worth $8 million. Eaton didn't even make it through July before he was released. 

Even the small deals could have been better. In hindsight, Edwin Encarnacion, Gio Gonzalez, Vince Velasquez, Steve Cishek, Joe Kelly, and Leury Garcia don't look great. 

When you look at all the significant free-agent signings Hahn has made, Liam Hendriks is really the only one who has panned out and is still on the roster. 

Won't Be Able To Retain Core

Another concern is retaining the core. Hahn signed most of their once-up-and-coming prospects to affordable long-term contracts. Once their contracts are up, the White Sox will not be able to resign all of them. It is like having a quarterback on a rookie deal. Now is the best time to spend on free agents.

After the 2024 season, Tim Anderson will become a free agent. As it currently stands, he is a top-10 shortstop in baseball. He is in line for a massive payday as it is. If he adds some more power to his game and his defense continues to improve, it will take more than $100 million to bring him back. 

Dylan Cease finished third in the Cy Young voting and is getting better each season. Scott Boras is his agent. Once he hits the open market in 2026, he will most certainly price his way out of Chicago. 

Even Luis Robert or Eloy Jimenez will command big contracts if they remain healthy and produce at the level they are capable of. Mind you, that won't be until 2027 and 2028. 

Once the window is closed, it's going to be very difficult to open again, seeing how the White Sox operates.