The New York Mets and shortstop Carlos Correa have been in constant contact since late-December, when their destinies crossed on the wake of a failed deal between the player and the San Francisco Giants.
Concerns with Correa’s physical are delaying a deal, which likely won’t be for $315 million anymore.
But days go by without an agreement, and now Mets owner Steve Cohen recently said that a resolution will come shortly, for better or for worse.
That means with or without a deal.
Correa, for his part, is back to having talks with other teams.
A hypothetical deal between Correa and the Mets is not dead, though.
In fact, according to MLB insider Jim Bowden, there has been recent progress.
“According to a club source Correa and the #Mets continue to progress towards a deal but time frame not imminent,” he tweeted.
According to a club source Correa and the #Mets continue to progress towards a deal but time frame not imminent
— Jim Bowden⚾️🏈 (@JimBowdenGM) January 9, 2023
Correa would be taking over third base for the Mets given that Francisco Lindor plays shortstop and is very, very good at it.
His bat, however, would play anywhere on the diamond: Correa is a career .836 OPS hitter with a 130 wRC (the league-average hitter is at 100).
Last season, he hit 22 home runs with the Minnesota Twins and is capable of blowing past 25 if he plays a full slate of games.
If his defense is outstanding at shortstop, it could be even better at third; a la Manny Machado.
If the Mets are able to land Correa, it would be very hard to envision them losing the NL East division.
NEXT: Mets Reportedly Sign Former Yankees Outfielder