The addition of Alonso was a nod toward a youth-infused team competing at a higher level, as he has had solid production in the past two seasons. A nine-year big league veteran, Alonso also knew well what he was arriving to with the White Sox.
"I definitely think it's heading in the right direction," Alonso said at SoxFest over the weekend. "Obviously, we've done it the right way by building from the minor leagues and the farm system. The future is bright, and the future is now.
"Young. Exciting. They're just ready to go. They're all so ready. Just ready to go after it, ready to get going. They all want spring training to happen now."
In addition to Alonso, the White Sox also signed veteran outfielder Jon Jay, a close friend of Machado's. After those moves and again at SoxFest, general manager Rick Hahn downplayed the Machado-related significance of those additions, pointing to their productivity in the past.
Alonso hit .250 with 23 home runs, 83 RBIs and a .738 OPS with the Indians in 2018, when he reached the playoffs for the first time in his career. He boasts a career slash line of .265/.337/.409 and will be platooned with Jose Abreu between first base and the role of designated hitter.
The White Sox were 62-100 in 2018, a rebuilding season marked by the ascension of more youngsters to the big leagues. More prized prospects are set to arrive, including outfielder Eloy Jimenez. The White Sox's hope is that the influx of their young talent and addition of veteran stability can vault them into a much more competitive mode.
Alonso hopes to do his part in instilling a winning culture with the White Sox. He's already setting his sights high for this season.
"The winning comes now," Alonso said. "The winning comes this year. I think we got to go get it. Obviously, our future is bright, but it starts now."