MLB tweet puts odd twist on Sox-Manny mystery
Everyone wants to know where slugger Manny Machado — and fellow top free agent Bryce Harper — will sign before the start of the 2019 season. That apparently includes whoever runs Major League Baseball’s official Twitter account.
A curious tweet Monday afternoon — which was later deleted — included an image of Machado alongside previously reported terms of the White Sox’ offer to him — eight years, $250 million. The caption read, “The White Sox want Manny on the South Side. Will he say yes?”
Fans pointed out how unusual it was to see unofficial information from the media being passed along on an official MLB account.
The Sox are one of several teams reported to be in heavy pursuit of Machado, a four-time All-Star and two-time Gold Glove infielder, but there has been conflicting information on how much they’ve offered him. On Sunday, ESPN reported the Sox had bumped their offer up to eight years, and another report out of the Dominican Republic pegged the value of the offer at $250 million. Those are the figures MLB used in its tweet.
However, a source told the SunTimes the Sox have stuck to their original offer of seven years. USA Today also reported the Sox have not increased the length of their proposal.
At this point, it’s unclear whether Machado has serious interest in signing with the Sox, regardless of the details. SportsNet New York reported Monday that Machado plans to sign with the highest bidder, which could put the Sox in a difficult position if they’re holding firm in negotiations.
However, they have done their part to appeal to him beyond hammering out contract details. Earlier this offseason, the Sox acquired first baseman Yonder Alonso, Machado’s brother-in-law, and outfielder Jon Jay, Machado’s longtime friend.