Carlos Correa still hasn’t signed with the New York Mets, and the chances are increasing that the two sides won’t come to an agreement this offseason. If the shortstop remains a free agent into 2023, he could still have several suitors amid questions about his physical.
The New York Post’s Jon Heyman reports that at least three teams have been in contact with Correa in recent days.
What teams might make the most sense for Correa if he doesn’t become a Met?
Los Angeles Dodgers
The Dodgers were viewed by many as the favorites to sign Correa at the start of the offseason. Los Angeles hasn’t replaced Trea Turner since the shortstop left L.A. for the Philadelphia Phillies. Overall, the Dodgers have been relatively quiet this offseason.
Los Angeles has been known to offer star free agents shorter contracts with a high average annual value. Now that teams are leery of giving Correa a long-term contract, a four or five-pact that includes a historic salary could make sense for both sides. The Athletic reported earlier this season that the Dodgers didn’t pursue Correa in part because of his role in the Houston Astros’ sign-stealing scandal, but maybe that will change if Correa’s asking price drops dramatically.
Boston Red Sox
Just like the Dodgers, the Red Sox haven’t replaced their star shortstop. Los Angeles, however, only had Turner on the roster for a season and a half and is coming off a 111-win campaign. Boston was outbid for Xander Bogaerts, its homegrown star, after finishing in last place. Acquiring Correa could salvage a highly disappointing offseason.
The Red Sox were linked to Dansby Swanson before the shortstop signed with the Chicago Cubs. Manager Alex Cora was Correa’s bench coach in Houston during the Astros’ 2017 championship run, potentially making Boston a logical destination for the two-time All-Star.
San Francisco Giants
Maybe the door isn’t closed on a deal between the Giants and Correa. San Francisco was ready to give the shortstop a historic $350 million deal, so much so that the team had a press conference scheduled to introduce the new face of the franchise. The two sides could revisit talks if Correa and the Mets have a falling out.
A deal would have to be worth less than the original 13-year agreement, but San Francisco is desperate enough that it might be willing to take on a significant risk with Correa. The Giants’ offseason has been nothing short of a disaster after failing to sign either Correa or Aaron Judge. The team might not want to miss out on a second chance to get a deal done.
Getty Images | Stephen Maturen
