Carlos Correa Is Priority For Chicago Cubs In Free Agency
A recent report by MLB Inside Jon Paul Morosi had a few interesting nuggets related to the free agency of Carlos Correa. With the lockout ended and a shortened spring training, fans are in for a wild next few days.
Carlos Correa Rumors
According to Morosi, the Cubs had the most discussion with Correa and representatives up until the lockout began. All points made by Morosi regarding the teams payroll, potential holes and previous trades are well taken.
It all boils down to how well the Cubs think Nico Hoerner can develop. That question may have already been answered with the interest in Carlos Correa. Hoerner has spent the last three seasons with the major league club in Chicago compiling 378 plate appearances leading to a .272/.342/.349 slash line. The numbers are not eye popping but they also aren’t terrible for a player with less than one full year of major league playing time.
Source: The #Cubs, who engaged with Carlos Correa in negotiations before the lockout began, are among the favorites to sign him as the market reopens. @MLBNetwork @MLB https://t.co/rmnpEZcJYC — Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) March 11, 2022
The Chicago Cubs believe Nico Hoerner is a serviceable shortstop and they also believe he is a versatile defender. In 2021, Hoerner made 30 appearances at second base, 12 appearances at shortstop and five appearances in the outfield. Second base will be taken by another top prospect in Nick Madrigal. Madrigal is coming off of a 2021 season shortened by a surgery to repair a torn hamstring. Madrigal should be back at full strength once the season begins.
Potentially, the Chicago Cubs could have a middle infield consisting of Nick Madrigal at second and Carlos Correa at shortstop with Nico Hoerner playing the majority of his time in the outfield. Hoerner can also spell Madrigal if the Cubs decide to be careful due to his previous hamstring injury.
Overall, the aggressiveness of the Chicago Cubs management tells us this team see’s a championship window in the near future.