MLBPA head: Inaccurate reporting of Machado deal shows 'lack of respect'
The executive director of the Major League Baseball Players Association isn't impressed with the reporting of inaccurate contract details for Manny Machado.
Tony Clark responded to a tweet on Tuesday by MLB Network's Jon Heyman, who suggested the reported eight-year, $250-million offer to Machado by the Chicago White Sox wasn't accurate.
Clark said the person who started the rumor has "an obvious agenda and complete lack of respect for the free-agency process."
Machado's agent, Dan Lozano, slammed the media last month for how it's reported his client's free agency, and said details regarding Chicago's level of interest were "completely wrong" in a statement obtained by MLB.com.
There have been multiple reports of offers made to Machado by the White Sox, including this recent $250-million pact and a previous one which suggested they proposed a seven-year, $175-million deal.
In addition to the White Sox, the New York Yankees, San Diego Padres, and Philadelphia Phillies are reportedly interested in the four-time All-Star.
The lack of action on the free-agent market has frustrated even those who are signed, including Los Angeles Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw, who chimed in on Tuesday when speaking with reporters.
Clayton Kershaw on Bryce Harper and Manny Machado not signing yet: “It’s not great. It’s not great for the game by any means . . . It just doesn’t seem right that they’re not in spring training, or close to it, at this point.”
— Andy McCullough (@McCulloughTimes) February 12, 2019
Houston Astros right-hander Justin Verlander also criticized teams that blame a rebuild as a reason not to spend.
Some pitchers and catchers are already reporting for spring training, with position players following suit in the next week. Grapefruit League and Cactus League games are scheduled to begin Feb. 21.