Could the Mets really do it?
According to Metsmerized’s Michael Mayer, the Mets are in discussions with agent Scott Boras regarding his client Carlos Correa.
Correa, 28, is seeking a massive payday as part of an incredibly deep free agent shortstop class. In the years leading up to his free agency, he’s seen teams – like the Mets – give record-breaking contracts to shortstops. Now after seven years in Houston and one year in Minnesota it’s time for the superstar to cash in.
The Mets lineup already sports a full-time shortstop in Francisco Lindor and they have no intention of moving on from him. Correa’s fit on the Mets would likely be at either third base or second base, both positions he hasn’t played much or at all in his career.
Correa is a Gold Glove winning shortstop and would turn a good Mets defense into a stellar one. He’d also turn a good Mets lineup into an incredible one.
The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal reports that Correa’s likely fit on the Mets would be at third base.
“I’d say there’s some smoke,” one Mets person told Rosenthal. “I’m not sure how big the first is, though.”
Correa is the best player remaining on the market. His deal would likely be north of the $300 million and $280 million Trea Turner and Xander Bogaerts received, respectively.
Can the Mets afford another $30 million player on their payroll?
With owner Steve Cohen it’s certainly possible but he’s definitely stretching the absolute limits of single-year investment in a baseball team.
The Mets have already signed Justin Verlander and Brandon Nimmo to mega-deals along with three other free agents that push its luxury-tac payroll to nearly $350 million. Because of luxury tax penalties, Cohen would be billed $421 million, the highest payroll in major league history.
But Cohen wants to go higher.
According to Rosenthal, people close to Cohen believe he doesn’t think the Mets have enough offensive firepower. Hence the Mets connection to free agents J.D. Martinez and Michael Conforto in addition to Correa.
Correa did not find a long-term deal last winter and certainly won’t bet on himself again after putting up another terrific season at 27 years old.
The Mets aren’t the only suitors for Correa either. The Twins have made Correa their top target, and the Giants and Yankees have money to spend and interest as well.
Rosenthal reports the Mets are expected to make moves to lower their payroll such as trading away catcher James McCann or pitcher Carlos Carrasco. Eduardo Escobar could be on the move with Correa’s arrival as well.
The Mets are talking and Correa is listening. Is it a Boras-fueled fire to get his client the most money elsewhere or does the most money lay in Queens?
