Bryce news has Manny implications
GLENDALE, Ariz. — The landscape in the White Sox’ pursuit of free agent Manny Machado could shift soon with the other prized 26-year-old free agent in the market, Bryce Harper, reportedly moving toward a deal with the Phillies.
Just how close Harper is and ultimately for how much money and how many years — USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reported Harper will receive more than the 10-year, $300 million deal he was offered by the Nationals during the season — remain to be seen. But with the Phillies viewed as perhaps the Sox’ strongest competition for Machado, Harper going to Philadelphia could help the Sox’ chances.
That said, the Padres also are in the hunt for Machado and appear willing to offer the $200 million-plus needed to fetch him.
The Sox have not been viewed as Machado’s top choice throughout a slow-moving, drawn-out free-agency period, and they went into it months ago with a spending limit that ultimately could crimp their chances. The Padres were not viewed as Machado’s most desired destination, either, but, like the Sox, they have a farm system promising hope for the future.
The Sox met with Harper and Machado but haven’t been linked to Harper much since the winter meetings in December. They have remained more connected to Machado and traded for Yonder Alonso, his brother-in-law, and signed Jon Jay, a good friend, as enticements.
Important year for Robert
Prized center-field prospect Luis Robert likely will spend most of the season at Class AA Birmingham as he strives to complete his first injury-free season. Before then, he’ll show what he can do in Cactus League games.
Signed to a $26 million international bonus in 2017 (the Sox also paid an additional $26 million for exceeding their international bonus pool), Robert was limited to 50 games in 2018, including 32 at advanced Class A Winston-Salem, mostly because of a thumb injury. At the Arizona Fall League, he made a strong late push to salvage the year by hitting .324/.367/.432 with two home runs and 10 RBI in 18 games after hitting .269/.333/.360 with no homers and 11 RBI in the summer. He missed time in the fall league, too, with a tight hamstring.
“This will be a big year for him in terms of his progression,” manager Rick Renteria said.
“This year, he hopefully gets a complete year under his belt healthy, which will, to be honest, tell us a lot about where he’s at. We all love what he’s capable of doing; we all love the physical skill.”
This and that
One day before the first fullsquad workout Monday, Jose Abreu arrived as the last position player to report.
♦ Reliever Kelvin Herrera, recovering from a torn Lisfranc ligament, is throwing side sessions and is capable of throwing live batting practice. He’s expected to be ready shortly after Opening Day, if not by then. Herrera signed a twoyear, $18 million deal last month.
♦ Mark Salas has hung up his classic old-school mitt after 18 seasons and two stints as bullpen catcher, leaving Miguel Gonzalez and Luis Sierra to handle bullpen duties in 2019. Salas, who turns 58 next month, has battled knee problems in recent years.