MLB Lockout The Only Barrier Between Carlos Correa and the Cubs

Carlos Correa is the clearly the pick of the bunch this off-season. Correa is one of the few free agents remaining in the pool prior to the lockout and probably the last first team shortstop available. And the Chicago Cubs will have their eyes and ears open in pursuit.

Carlos Correa: Top Prospect?

The shortstop, enters the 2022 off season on the back of tremendous performances in the 2021 season. Having turned in an all star performance for the Astros, Correa is an in demand prospect. And having been a part of one of the strongest defensive rosters in the AL for 2021, the Cubs might well see him as an ideal signing.

The Astros were declared the winners of the Golden Glove Team Award 2021 in the AL, by the Baseball Writer’s Association for the shift they put in over the course of the season. Correa, turned in a Platinum Glove award winning performance, and led the AL with +21 Defensive Runs Saved in 2021.

The winners of the Platinum Glove award are chosen through a combination of fan voting and the SABR defensive index. Correa, having won the award is clearly a high ranker in both those aspects and seems to be an ideal signing for the Cubs. That is ofcourse, once the lockout is over and talks can progress.

WATCH: Chicago Cubs Fans Try to Win Over Carlos Correa by Morphing Iconic Christmas Carol

Why the Chicago Cubs make sense for Correa?

The Chicago Cubs are definitely in need of a shortstop. They have traded Javy Baez in July, leaving the starting spot open. This only means that the Cubs, will probably need to go after one this season. And Correa is likely top prospect.

The Cubs have also stated that they will look to strengthening their infield after the lockout done. In an interview, team president Jed Hoyer said, “It’s definitely going to be a focus.”

And the Cubs have shown strong intent with the market already. Having completed the signing of Marcus Stroman, the Cubs could be eyeing the 27 year old shortstop as he comes into his prime to strengthen their roster.

It seems the Chicago Cubs did reach out to Correa before the lockout began. The contract length however, is where there still remains a gap between the player and team.

The Cubs could be hesitant to commit a 10-year contract to the shortstop. Something the shortstop will be looking to secure. The Cubs could well be the perfect fit for the shortstop in terms of playing position and requirements, if they are able to agree to the financials.

Why Correa wants a lengthy Contract?

Considering the Seager contract with the Rangers which is worth $325 million over the 10 years it is signed, and Lindor’s 10 year contract with the Mets which has given him $341 million over his contract as well, it is understandable why Correa is after such a length. Coming off a Platinum Glove season, he may well be worth the commitment.

Also watch this story: All teams Carlos Correa has been linked to in Free Agency

If the reports are to be believed though, the Cubs do have the means to sign Correa, the only hesitation seems to be with the length of the deal and not the average value of the contract itself.

The Shortstop could be seen as an ideal signing by the Cubs. They need a decent hitting shortstop for a deep post season run. And if the World Series trophy is to return to the Wrigley Field in 2022, Correa could well be a key piece of that puzzle.