REPORT: “Mutual Interest” Between Carlos Correa and the Chicago Cubs

Let the these-aren’t-technically-negotiations begin …

We’ve seen the rumors already that have linked the Chicago Cubs to top free agent shortstop Carlos Correa, but the local mentions have been limited to something more like, “It would make sense for the Cubs, but …. ”

I don’t want to get anyone’s hopes too high just yet – particularly not when there can’t actually be any negotiations until the lockout ends – but now we have something a little more firm from a local reporter:

Per Levine’s report:

While contact between MLB teams and players is prohibited amid the ongoing lockout, there remains mutual interest between the Cubs and free-agent shortstop Carlos Correa, according to multiple sources.

The sides had interest before the lockout went into effect on Dec. 1, and no transactions have been allowed since.

That’s definitely the first local confirmation we’ve heard of mutual interest – apparently known to each other – predating the lockout. Until now, like I said, the reporting was either speculative or more in the vein of tire-kicking.

There’s a big caveat here, and you already know it: the Cubs are not necessarily inclined to go to the 10+ year length that Correa is likely to be seeking. Corey Seager and Francisco Lindor got 10 years on their recent deals, so that’s why that particular length keeps coming up. Seager got 10 years and $325 million already this offseason from the Rangers, while Lindor got 10 years and $341 million in the form of an extension before the 2021 season after his trade to the Mets. You can understand why Correa – just 27, coming off a Platinum Glove and one of his best offensive seasons – would be looking at that range for his next deal. It’s a very substantial commitment.

The Marcus Stroman signing was already your clue about the Cubs’ preferred type of signing, by the way: the Cubs of the current moment are believed to be wide open to any deal that comes with a high annual price tag, but not necessarily any deal that comes with a very long term. (And, as we’ve discussed, it isn’t crazy to be mildly concerned about Correa’s peak seasons misaligning with the right timing for the Cubs. It shouldn’t PRECLUDE interest, but it’s a consideration.)

While it’s easy to say, “Well, just offer Correa a huge AAV on a short-term deal,” the trick is that Correa might be able to have his cake and eat it, too. He might be able to land a 10-year deal that comes with an opt-out after three years, AND pays him $120 million over the first three years. So basically, he gets a short-term, high-AAV deal if he wants to opt out, or the long-term security of $300+ million if things go south in the first three years.

In other words, the Cubs might blanche at a ten-year deal, but the market will dictate what Correa gets, and not the other way around. We’ve discussed how the only known offer on Correa was probably far too low (10/$275 million), and how the Cubs will probably be involved only if they can get a deal that they view as a bargain. Levine’s report would lead you to believe that version of a deal is probably shorter-term, and a really high AAV. Maybe Correa goes for it because he can’t find $300+ million elsewhere, or maybe he doesn’t.

In any case, it’s safe to say the Cubs are seriously interested in Correa at this point, but we still don’t know exactly what level of contract that serious interest will translate to. A source told Levine that the Cubs are willing to go long-term on Correa if that’s what it takes, but not necessarily 10 years. Any chance we’re seeing the negotiations start in the media?

written by

Brett Taylor is the Lead Cubs Writer at Bleacher Nation, and you can find him on Twitter at @BleacherNation and on LinkedIn here. Brett is also the founder of Bleacher Nation, which opened up shop in 2008 as an independent blog about the Chicago Cubs. Later growing to incorporate coverage of other Chicago sports, Bleacher Nation is now one of the largest regional sports blogs on the web.

more cubs news

Justin Steele Injury Update: New Classification, MRI Tomorrow, IL Stint Coming? Steele and Counsell Speak

A significant update on Justin Steele came from Craig Counsell tonight after the Cubs extra innings loss in Texas. In short: Yes, a stint on the Injured List is likely for Justin Steele. But we still don't know how severe...

Enhanced Box Score: Rangers 4, Cubs 3 – March 28, 2024

It took exactly one day for the Cubs' ace to sustain what may be a significant injury, for their closer to blow a save, for the umpires to significantly impact the outcome of a critical play (this time in the...

OMG: Michael Busch Scored the 9th Inning, GO-AHEAD Run, Because He Just Never Stopped Running

That was absolutely incredible. To all the little kids out there, when your coach tells you to never stop running, this is why. Rookie Cubs 1B Michael Busch (the guy the Cubs got from the Dodgers this offseason to be...

Pre-Gamin’: Cubs at Rangers – Lineups, Pitching Matchup, Broadcast Info, Game Thread

*SHORT COURTS: It's Time To Bring The Home Court, Home! Looking for a unique way to celebrate your athlete or team before you peruse the FIRST CHICAGO CUBS LINEUP of the Year? Don't miss out! For just one more week...

The Cubs Are Among the Most Returning-y Teams

I am still mostly incapacitated at the moment, so apologies for the short shrift on such an otherwise blessed day. In between pokes and prods, I wanted to share a chart I saw that was pretty interesting, even if unsurprising:...

Maybe the Cubs Are the Favorites in the NL Central, After All?

ESPN was the first to throw some love the Cubs way this week, with an overwhelming majority of their writers, analysts, and editors picking the Chicago Cubs to win the NL Central in 2024. But the love doesn't end there....

The Season Begins, Love for Morel, Counsell’s Value, and Other Cubs Bullets

You know where you want to spend your Opening Day morning? The hospital! Suffice to say, this is not how I imagined getting HYPED for the Cubs' opener. I guess I'll just have to think about all the possible lineup...

Cubs vs Rangers: The First Series of the Year!

Cubs vs Rangers — THE REGULAR SEASON IS HERE! Wake up and rejoice. Later tonight, the Cubs will begin their march toward October Baseball against the (reigning World Series champion) Texas Rangers in Arlington. Justin Steele is getting the nod...

The 2024 Chicago Cubs for Dummies

Boom. We made it. The offseason is over, and the Cubs regular season - and those elevated expectations - begins tomorrow. But in case you slept through the winter, I'm here to catch you up on everything you need to...

I’m Expecting More This Year, Cubs — It’s Time to Start Winning

There's no way around it: The Chicago Cubs did *not* have the offseason we hoped they might after making Craig Counsell the highest paid manager in MLB history. Not that they did poorly, mind you. Cody Bellinger, Shota Imanaga, and...

Latest News

UConn vs. Illinois Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats and Best Bets – NCAA Tournament Round Elite Eight

The No. 1 seed UConn Huskies (34-3) are 8.5-point favorites to advance to the Final Four when they play the No. 3 seed Illinois Fighting Illini (29-8) in the NCAA Tournament Elite Eight on Saturday at TD Garden, airing on...

Alabama vs. Clemson Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats and Best Bets – NCAA Tournament Round Elite Eight

The No. 4 seed Alabama Crimson Tide (24-11) and No. 6 seed Clemson Tigers (24-11) will both be vying for a spot in the NCAA Tournament Final Four when they meet on Saturday at Crypto.com Arena, tipping off at 8:49...

How to Watch UConn Huskies vs. Illinois Fighting Illini: Live Stream or on TV

The No. 1 seed UConn Huskies (34-3) will take on the No. 3 seed Illinois Fighting Illini (29-8) in the NCAA Tournament Elite Eight on Saturday at TD Garden, airing on TBS starting at 6:09 PM ET.UConn won its previous...

Alabama vs. Clemson: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

The No. 6 seed Clemson Tigers (24-11) will take the court for an NCAA Tournament Elite Eight matchup with the No. 4 seed Alabama Crimson Tide (24-11) on Saturday at Crypto.com Arena, airing on TBS beginning at 8:49 PM ET,...

Big Ten Basketball Predictions, Computer Picks and Best Bets | March 29

There is one game on the postseason college basketball schedule on Friday that feature Big Ten squads, and we have best bets recomendations. That matchup is the Gonzaga Bulldogs versus the Purdue Boilermakers.How to Bet on Big Ten Games[lasso ref="draftkings-promo-1"...

SEC Basketball Predictions, Computer Picks and Best Bets | March 30

The Friday postseason college basketball slate includes two games featuring an SEC team in action. Among those games is the Creighton Bluejays playing the Tennessee Volunteers. Here are our recomendations for the best bets on action throughout the conference.How to...

Big 12 Basketball Predictions, Computer Picks and Best Bets | March 30

There is one game on the postseason college basketball schedule on Friday that feature Big 12 squads, and we have best bets recomendations. That matchup is the Duke Blue Devils versus the Houston Cougars.How to Bet on Big 12 Games[lasso...

ACC Basketball Predictions, Computer Picks and Best Bets | March 29

There are two games on the postseason college basketball schedule on Friday that feature ACC squads, and we have best bets recomendations. That includes the Duke Blue Devils versus the Houston Cougars.How to Bet on ACC Games[lasso rel="draftkings-promo-1" id="299003"]Best ACC...

Big East Basketball Predictions, Computer Picks and Best Bets | March 29

There are three games on the postseason college basketball schedule on Friday that feature Big East squads, and we have best bets recomendations. That includes the Creighton Bluejays versus the Tennessee Volunteers.How to Bet on Big East Games[lasso ref="draftkings-promo-1" id="299003"...

Braves vs. Phillies Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Friday, March 29, 2024

The Atlanta Braves begin their season as -126 favorites in a road tilt against the Philadelphia Phillies on Friday at 3:05 PM ET, live on BSSO.Atlanta's Spencer Strider gets the start, and he'll go against Philadelphia's Zack Wheeler.Braves vs. Phillies...

more cubs news