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Oct 19, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa (1) runs to second base after hitting a double to start the ninth inning against the Boston Red Sox in game four of the 2021 ALCS at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Oct 19, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa (1) runs to second base after hitting a double to start the ninth inning against the Boston Red Sox in game four of the 2021 ALCS at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports
Although the 2021 MLB postseason is yet to finish, talk about next season is already underway. 2022 will see a fair share of free agents, with Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa among the high-profile names on that list.
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While he continues to churn out consistent performances in the ongoing MLB playoffs, his free agency is a subject of great interest to several MLB teams. Many rumors link him with a move to the New York Yankees, who could use a player with the 27-year-old’s talents.
When does Carlos Correa become a free agent?
On February 6, 2021, Correa signed a season-long deal with the Astros. The Puerto Rican earned $11.7million from the contract, which will expire at the end of this season. Following the end of this year’s MLB playoffs, Correa will become an unrestricted free agent.
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Oct 12, 2021; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa (1) reacts after hitting a two-run RBI double against the Chicago White Sox during the third inning in game four of the 2021 ALDS at Guaranteed Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports
Correa’s statistics rank among the most impressive among shortstops in the MLB. In just over 1300 innings played in this year’s regular season, the 27-year-old recorded 183 putouts in 578 defensive chances. He recorded a fielding percentage of 0.981, which is quite exceptional.
While his fielding stats are impressive, his batting stats are just as, if not more impressive. The Puerto Rican scored 104 runs and recorded 92 RBI in 148 games during the regular season. He also proved himself in this year’s postseason as the Astros reached the ALCS for the fifth time in a row. He also possesses a WAR of 7.2, making him among the best shortstops in the MLB today.
How can the New York Yankees sign Correa next year?
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The Yankees are in dire need of a new shortstop. And with a free agent class comprising Corey Seager, Trevor Story, Marcus Semien, Javier Baez and Correa, they have many options to choose from.
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Oct 8, 2021; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa (1) looks to the dugout during the game against the Chicago White Sox in game two of the 2021 ALDS at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports
However, Correa looks to be their prime candidate to fill the spot next year. Although he will be an unrestricted free agent, the Yankees would have to give up their first pick in the second round of the MLB draft should they sign the 27-year-old.
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While the possibilities are endless, the Yankees will hope they can sign the Puerto Rican for 2022. Whether he’s the solution to their struggles, only time will tell.
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