Baseball, basketball, football, no matter the sport, rarely does a star free agent's decision come down to anything other than money and winning.
Manny Machado is making visits this week. He was in Chicago with the White Sox on Monday and will also visit Yankee Stadium before coming to Philly for a visit on Thursday.
And while Machado makes the rounds, speculation is rampant that his other suitors are making moves to entice him.
First, there was the White Sox trading for first baseman Yonder Alonso, who is married to Machado's sister and lives in the same complex as him in Florida.
Then, there was the Yankees' adding outfielder and future Hall of Famer Carlos Beltran to their front office. Beltran shares an agent with Machado.
Let's be real. Neither development matters. Machado is not going to turn down extra money or extra years under contract because the White Sox now employ his brother-in-law, or because Beltran is now consulting with the Yankees.
This is Machado's chance at a historic, life-changing payday. The money, realism of contending and position he'll play are what matter most.
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If Machado picks the Yankees, it will be because that's where he's always wanted to play. If he picks the White Sox, it will be because he's a crazy person.
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