At the moment, the focus in the MLB universe remains locked on the conversations between owners and players about the future not only of the collective bargaining agreement (CBA), but of the 2022 season, as well.
However, teams know that, if a new CBA is negotiated, they will have a small window to sign some really, really good players who remain free agents.
These players, like Carlos Correa, Kris Bryant, Carlos Rodon, Clayton Kershaw, Nick Castellanos, and many others didn’t sign before the December 2 lockout, so they are still theoretically on the market.
The problem is that, because of the lockout, MLB teams can’t make any transactions.
Once the lockout ends, teams will furiously re-enter the market.
One of the most attractive free agents is Correa.
Lots Of Teams Are In On Correa
The shortstop reportedly wants more than $300 million.
In fact, he wants somewhere around Francisco Lindor money.
As a reminder, Lindor put pen to paper on a 10-year, $341 million extension in 2021.
The New York Yankees have a huge gap at shortstop, since they decided to move Gleyber Torres to second base.
Correa is a logical fit, but they may not be willing to spend that much on a single player knowing that they already have two $300 million players in Gerrit Cole and Giancarlo Stanton, and that Aaron Judge is due for an extension.
“Yankees called on Carlos Correa before the lockout. Likelihood is unclear since it seemed like Seager was higher on wish list, and Correa was seeking even more $ than Seager got ($330M to $325M). Other potential fits: ATL, Cubs, LAD, LAA, HOU, TOR, DET, SF, STL, BOS,” MLB insider Jon Heyman reported.
Yankees called on Carlos Correa before the lockout. Likelihood is unclear since it seemed like Seager was higher on wish list, and Correa was seeking even more $ than Seager got ($330M to $325M). Other potential fits: ATL, Cubs, LAD, LAA, HOU, TOR, DET, SF, STL, BOS
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 25, 2022
Correa, who hit .279/.366/.485 with 26 home runs and played incredible defense in 2021 (he won the Fielding Bible and the Platinum Glove awards), has a lot of suitors.
He may end up getting $300 million after all.
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