Because there isn't much time left in November for teams (including the Cubs) to sign free agents before the CBA negotiations end on December 1st and most likely cause a work stoppage, I thought I'd give an update on the free agents that the Cubs have been interested in.
We'll start with Carlos Correa, who the Cubs were connected with in rumors earlier this offseason. According to some sources, Correa will not settle for anything less than the $341M deal that Lindor had, meaning most likely even breaking that record deal. Here is the article:
Houston Astros’ Carlos Correa has crazy asking price in free agency https://t.co/2SGvSiGQG0 #MLB #HoustonAstros
— Sportsnaut (@Sportsnaut) November 18, 2021
That is expensive. And while the Cubs have money, they might not want to spend quite that much. They might not even have to consider it, because Correa has been having some deep talks with Tigers manager AJ Hinch, and Correa to Tigers has been the main rumor.
Yes, free agent shortstop Carlos Correa and Detroit Tigers manager AJ Hinch had breakfast today.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) November 18, 2021
Yes, the conversation was so good they stayed until lunch.
Yes, the Tigers badly need a shortstop.
No, it does not mean Correa is close to signing with Detroit. Lots of offseason.
Carlos Correa and AJ Hinch were spotted together today in Houston pic.twitter.com/Kn3kvuF6Cr
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) November 18, 2021
So, yeah. Good fit, I think, for Correa, and will also help the Tigers as they get close to competing.
But that's okay with me, because now the Cubs are linked to another top-tier shortstop, like I've said before, Corey Seager.
The asking price for Seager won't be cheap, either, but it will likely be cheaper than Correa. I'm thinking probably still in the $300M range, although probably lower $300M. Are the Cubs willing to splurge to get a solid shortstop for a few years?
The main competitor for Seager was the Yankees, with the Rangers also being interested (but more likely to get Story), and now they seem to be backing off.
MLB Free Agent Rumors: Yankees not spending big on Carlos Correa, Corey Seager https://t.co/Wiu3KUwM9E
— Pro Sports Extra (@ProSportsExtra) November 17, 2021
So does that mean the Cubs basically have Seager to themselves? No. The Yankees are still interested in him, and other teams are doing their homework on him as well. It simply means the Cubs now have a better chance of getting him, as long as the price is fine. I'd be happy to get Seager, he'd be such a valuable asset to the Cubs, but I don't want to get my hopes up too high.
Steven Matz was listed as a potential Cubs target, as they seem to be targeting lower-cost, higher-production pitchers, but a couple other teams are in the mix as well.
Mets have interest in bringing back Steven Matz following his breakout season in Dunedin/Buffalo/Toronto. And Matz, a Long Islander, did love playing for his hometown team. The incumbent Jays are also among several teams pursuing Matz.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) November 19, 2021
Source: Red Sox remain in touch with Steven Matz, who has a healthy market. Obviously, starters have ruled the week so far.
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) November 18, 2021
So, it's a definite possibility that the Cubs won't get Matz. That's ok with me, because I'd rather get a pitcher like Stroman or Gausman. But, we'll see!
I've mentioned Nick Castellanos as a good Cubs target, and although I still think so, he's drawing interest from a couple other teams.
#Cubs Rumors: Giants, Marlins are both in the hunt for Nick Castellanos https://t.co/jLW5LeFNCI
— Cubs News Surge (@CubsNewsApp) November 19, 2021
If the Cubs don't get Castellanos, then I hope the Marlins do. They're becoming a strong team and they could definitely use a bat like Castellanos. But, I still hope the Cubs get Castellanos...
While a ton of free agents are still available, I mentioned only these because the Cubs have been already rumored to be connected with them. There is still 11 more days until December 1st, though, and there will be time after that to sign FAs, so...a lot remains to be seen.
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