After spending 100 days in free agency, Manny Machado reached a $300 million deal with the San Diego Padres, leaving fans and the Chicago White Sox front office stunned by Machado's decision. ESPN has said that the team fought hard to bring in the top free agent shortstop this offseason. The team's front office said they had put forward a good offer.

During Spring Training, White Sox EVP Kenny Williams addressed the media following the news, saying he was surprised and shocked. Machado is now a part of the San Diego Padres team, after signing a 10-year, $300 million deal.

The power hitter hit 37 home runs and 107 RBIs, during his time with Baltimore Orioles and the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Chicago thought they had Manny Machado in the bag

While the South Side of Chicago failed to bring in Manny Machado, Kenny Williams thanked General Manager Rick Hahn and White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf for working hard to bring in Machado. The team put their best foot forward but now must move on without him.

Chicago truly believed the would sign Machado, so they made several personnel moves aimed at convincing Machado to join the White Sox organization. They even signed Machado's brother-in-law Yonder Alonso and close friend Jon Jay last month. Rawlings even got in on the dream and tweeted out a photo of Machado's new equipment all in White Sox team colors.

Chicago even had a spring training locker ready for him, placed between Jay and Alonso. Both Jay and Alonso believed Manny would be joining the Padres.

White Sox still believe they have a strong team despite no Machado

Now that Chicago lost out on snagging Machado, they are left with Yoan Moncada and Tim Anderson at left field.

The White Sox needs a strong player like Machado, after losing 100 games last season, and failing to make the postseason. Even without Machado and a weak lineup, Williams believes that the team is built for a strong future. The White Sox can turn to several key prospects including Elroy Jimenez and Michael Kopech.

Elroy Jimenez is a third-rated prospect outfielder and Michael Kopech is the team's top pitching prospect.

Kopech made four appearances in the big leagues but was eventually sidelined by an injury and Tommy John surgery, and not expected to return until the 2020 season.

While these players aren't as strong as Machado, NBC Sports reports that the White Sox must work with what they got if they want to win games and have a better season. They also need to accept the reality of how they came so close to signing one of the best hitters in the league. The White Sox can either work at signing Bryce Harper or move on with the offseason, without a superstar caliber player.
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