MLB Teams Who Missed Out On Machado Look To Regroup

White Sox Exec VP Ken Williams said he was “very surprised” by Manny Machado signing with the Padres, adding he was in a “bit of disbelief.” Williams said the team “put our best foot forward,” and White Sox Chair Jerry Reinsdorf “really stepped up” in trying to land Machado. Williams noted the team’s offer to Machado gave him the chance “to surpass” the $300M he will get from the Padres, though the contract would have had a “lower base.” Williams: “I honestly believe we had the best offer on the table” (CHICAGOTRIBUNE.com, 2/19).

The Phillies are rumored to be pursuing a big free agent, and there is "no denying" it now would be an "objectively disappointing offseason" if they do not land Bryce Harper. The club "watched one of their targets go elsewhere," so now their "sights are set solely on Harper" (PHILLY.com, 2/19). ESPN's Jeff Passan said the Phillies have the "most to lose here because they have said from the start that they are going to go out and spend money this offseason" ("SportsCenter," ESPN, 2/19).