Ken Rosenthal, Dan Hayes, Andy McCullough
An amazing new team has entered the Carlos Correa Sweepstakes. New York The Mets are already having this offseason.
Yes, Steve Cohen could make an appearance again.
Cohen’s Mets have expressed interest in Correa, according to sources familiar with the team’s thinking. Francisco Lindor.
A Mets official said, “I think there’s smoke. ‘But I don’t know the extent of the fire.'”
Mets general manager Billy Eppler declined to comment.
Correa’s full-scale pursuit may feel a stretch, given the size of Correa’s expected payday and the spending the Mets have already lavished on this winter, but Cohen We are already expanding the parameters of what owners can spend.
Steve Cohen (Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
The acquisition of Correa would be another surprising addition for Cohen, whose team has already signed a pitcher. Justin Verlandercenter fielder Brandon Nemo Three other free agents pushed their luxury tax salaries to nearly $350 million this offseason, according to Fangraphs. Including penalties, the Mets’ total salary is about $421 million, the highest in major league history.
For all that Cohen has invested, people familiar with his thinking show that the owner still believes the Mets need more offense, and that the team has not only Correa, but JD Martinez and Michael Conn. He was inspired to explore the market for players such as Folte.
Correa, the top remaining free agent, could cost an additional $30 million or more per season, or perhaps less on an average yearly basis, if he signs a 10+ year deal — according to sources. and. two other free agent shortstops, trea turner When xander bogaertssigned 11-year contracts worth $300 million and $280 million, respectively.
The Mets aren’t the only ones chasing Correa.of Minnesota Twins see him as a primary target, San Francisco Giants are also believed to be mixed.after missing Yankees Slugger Aaron Judgethe Giants face tremendous pressure to find the pillars of the franchise to build on.
At the beginning of the offseason, many executives considered Correa the most attractive player on the market. Considering his extraordinary talent, relatively young age, and ability to stick to key defensive positions such as shortstop. Correa remained the best player on the market as the Winter Meeting came to an end last week after Turner, Bogaerts and Judge all signed seismic contracts. The Mets’ foray could revitalize clubs like Minnesota and San Francisco and meet the demands of Correa and his agent Scott Boras.
The two-time All-Star failed to find the long-term commitment to live up to his expectations last winter. He settled on his three-year, $105.3 million contract with the Twins and opted out after hitting 22 home runs at OPS. 834. Although advanced defensive metrics plagued him in 2022, Correa was awarded the platinum his glove award as the best defensive player in the sport. houston 2021 years.
At some point, the Mets are expected to make a move to lower salaries.catcher James McCann and right handed Carlos Carrasco One of the players they might trade, third baseman Eduardo Escobar It could also move if Correa joins the club.The Mets may also need to explore interest in top prospects such as Brett Beatty When Mark Vientos.
athleticWill Sammon of contributed to this report.
(Photo: Mike Stove/Getty Images)
