What has been yet another slow-moving free agency for the top players on the open market, seemingly gained steam over recent weeks with several reports of interested teams and contract negotiations with Bryce Harper and Manny Machado.
Heading into the offseason, many were predicting Harper and Machado would each sign a long-term deal in the neighborhood of $300 million. A tepid start to free agency has given way to the Chicago White Sox, Philadelphia Phillies and Washington Nationals being linked to one of or both of the 26-year-olds.
With the White Sox and Machado, that was said to have reached a point where a seven-year contract offer was made to the shortstop.