The Cubs shipped out a number of franchise cornerstones on the 2021 Main League Baseball commerce deadline, however that doesn’t essentially imply Chicago is coming into a full-blown rebuild that’ll preclude the group from focusing on prime free brokers, like Carlos Correa, earlier than Opening Day.
MLB insider Jon Paul Morosi on Friday explored the market for Correa — arguably the very best participant remaining in free company — and pointed to the Cubs as a possible vacation spot for the longtime Houston Astros shortstop.
“Whereas the Cubs weren’t a well-liked decide to land the famous person shortstop final fall, there’s a logical match between the events,” Morosi wrote for MLB.com.
Correa, now represented by agent Scott Boras, may command a contract in extra of $300 million, particularly with fellow shortstop Corey Seager signing a 10-year, $325 million deal with the Texas Rangers earlier than the MLB lockout. That’s clearly an enormous sum, however the Cubs seemingly are effectively positioned financially to make such a large funding.
Right here’s extra from Morosi:
The Cubs have the payroll flexibility so as to add a major multiyear contract. Jason Heyward’s contract expires after the 2023 season, and newly signed starter Marcus Stroman is the staff’s solely participant beneath contract past ’23. The Cubs’ bandwidth so as to add a famous person is additional enhanced by the truth that Kris Bryant, Javier Báez and Anthony Rizzo had been traded away final summer season somewhat than prolonged.
Stroman, Kyle Hendricks, and Wade Miley depend on robust infield protection to a higher extent than many fashionable beginning pitchers. Correa, the reigning American League Platinum Glove Award winner, may impression the Cubs’ run prevention as a lot as their lineup. Nico Hoerner, the highest inner candidate to be the Cubs’ main shortstop in 2022, began solely 12 video games on the place final season and may be finest suited to a multi-position position.
