Frequently Asked Questions
How much did the White Sox offer Manny Machado?
The White Sox offered Machado $250 million guaranteed over 8 years with an AAV of $31.25 million. The deal included $70 million in additional money that would automatically vest with 550 plate appearances, potentially making it worth $320 million total.
Why did Machado turn down the White Sox offer?
Machado chose guaranteed money over the White Sox's incentive-based contract structure. He took the Padres' deal rather than risk not hitting the 550 plate appearance threshold needed to vest the additional $70 million.
How hard would it have been for Machado to reach 550 plate appearances?
It would have been very easy for Machado to reach 550 plate appearances. He's only failed to hit that mark twice in his career - his rookie season and in 2014 due to a knee injury - and has averaged nearly 700 plate appearances over the past four seasons.
Did the White Sox actually offer more money than the Padres?
Yes, the White Sox had a higher value offer on the table than what Machado ultimately signed for with the Padres. The total potential value of the White Sox deal was higher when including the easily achievable vesting option.
What other teams were interested in signing Manny Machado?
The Phillies were interested but declared they weren't willing to hit $300 million in guaranteed money. The Yankees were also in the mix but were factored out shortly after their meeting with Machado in the fall.