MLB Free Agency: Is Manny Machado A Lock For The South Side?

Manny Machado is currently playing out the final year of his $16 million dollar contract with the Baltimore Orioles and questions arise as to where he will end up next year. During the 2017-2018 offseason, Machado was rumored to be on the block with three teams said to be interested: Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees and Chicago White Sox. Now, 28 games into the 2018 season, Machado is still a member of the Orioles and rumors are still running rampant.

What does Machado bring defensively?

The White Sox are in need of a third baseman. Yolmer Sanchez holds the position down for the moment, but Machado is a bonafide superstar at the hot corner. Yolmer would be better suited as a utility player coming off the bench and providing a spark. Machado owns a career .968 fielding percentage, which would give the White Sox stability at what seems to be a revolving door at 3rd base. Having an infield with Jose Abreu at 1st, Yoan Moncada at 2nd, Tim Anderson at SS and Manny Machado at 3rd could be one of the most feared infields in all of Major League Baseball. With Manny already being established at the position and Anderson getting better and better at shortstop, it seems like a match made in heaven.

What does Machado bring offensively?

Machado is a career .281 hitter. Last year, 2017 saw Manny post a lower average than fans are accustomed to, hitting .259 but still blasting 33 HRs and 95 RBIs. Though his average was down, Manny still put the bat on the ball and produced runs for Baltimore. Now 28 games into the 2018 season, Manny is hitting .361 with 9 HRs and 22 RBIs. The Orioles, at 8-20, are already 12.5 games back of the Red Sox making them a prime candidate to become sellers at the deadline. Manny being inserted into a lineup alongside Abreu and Moncada would cause nightmares for pitchers trying to gameplan for the Sox.

Why the timing is right for both parties...

Manny is going to be looking for a new team. The White Sox are looking to add a star to pair along with their prospects. Manny will command a big contract, but it’s worth whatever he is asking for. Rumors were running around last year that Manny wanted to change from third base to shortstop. Thankfully, new White Sox catcher Welington Castillo said he “Facetimed” Manny about all the rumors swirling around.

"He's my friend. We are tight," Castillo told NBC Sports Chicago about Machado. Castillo went on to say, "I called him a few weeks ago. We were texting and I was doing FaceTime with him."

Well, that’s a good sign then, right? When asking Manny about his thoughts on the rumors of where he is going and the position change, Castillo said, "Just to play around… I hear that you're going to go to Chicago.” Manny responded with “That's what I hear, too. That's a rumor.” Castillo replied, “Hey, I want you to be in Chicago, too.” Manny ended with, “I'm going to play whatever they want me to play.” Acquiring Machado is one of the most exciting rumors of the 2019 offseason. For the sake of all White Sox fans, let’s hope it proves to be true.