Hahn didn't shy away from the questions about Machado, making it clear that he understands the excitement surrounding the White Sox's attempts to land a player of that caliber and what it would mean to their rebuilding process. Hahn stated that he would be disappointed if the White Sox didn't sign Machado while also quickly pointing to what the organization already has in place.
As for what the Machado decision means for the White Sox's offseason, Hahn isn't too concerned.
"Quite frankly, whether it's a referendum on the whole offseason or not is fine," Hahn said on the Mully & Haugh Show on Monday morning. "Even if we fall short, we've had what has been objectively viewed by those outside the organization as great offseasons that has led to disappointing summers. So, we don't really view the winning or the losing of the offseason as what's most important.
"What's most important is whether this entire rebuild process leads to multiple championships and ends in a parade. That's how we're ultimately going to be judged. Securing a premium free agent at this time could conceivably accelerate this process, could give us a little more margin of error, let's say, the talent that we've already brought in.
"But if we for whatever reason fall short at this juncture, one, it's not going to change what we've already put together and the very positive trajectory we're on. And, two, it's not going to be the last bite of the apple. It's not going to be our last opportunity to add premium talent."
The White Sox enter 2019 hoping to take strides forward with their young team after going 62-100 last season. They boast one of the top farm systems in baseball and have young talent emerging to the big league level.
Expectations for the White Sox would rise in adding a player like Machado, though Hahn is comfortable with what his organization has without him. He's also choosing to see the positives already in place from this offseason.
"It's a good step forward for the organization because we absolutely belong at the table," Hahn said. "We've put ourselves in a position where we've sold to these players what the organization is about and we've become an attractive potential landing spot for them. If for whatever reason we don't convert on that, I'm still going to feel good about the positive step forward and our ability to get squarely in the mix of this thing.
"I'll be disappointed, don't get me wrong. But I know we're going to be back at it once a similar opportunity arises in the future."