The 2022 MLB Winter Meetings in San Diego, California, brought a flurry of activity with Aaron Judge, Justin Verlander and Trea Turner among the top free agents to reportedly agree to terms on a new contract in recent days.
The Los Angeles Dodgers were connected to all three players at various points in the offseason but did not wind up with any of them. There are still plenty of difference-makers available to sign, including Carlos Correa, who could command a contract that exceeds $300 million in total value.
With a need at shortstop and the financial means to get a deal done, the Dodgers and Correa are seemingly a good fit for each other. However, there are hurdles toward a potential signing coming to fruition.
Correa of course was part of the 2017 Houston Astros team that illegally stole signs en route to winning the World Series over the Dodgers, and the front office is reportedly concerned fans won’t accept him on the team.
“Carlos is a heck of a ballplayer. I don’t know that answer,” manager Dave Roberts answered when asked if the clubhouse and Dodgers fans would take to Correa. “What I do know is that we’re about winning baseball games. Our fanbase is about winning baseball games. That’s all I’m going to say about that one.”
Roberts went on to add the organization has not discussed potential fallout that would come with signing Correa. “We have not talked about the potential narrative. No, we have not,” Roberts said.
The Dodgers were previously linked to Correa during the 2021 offseason before he signed a three-year, $105.3 million contract with the Minnesota Twins that contained multiple opt-outs.
Correa thrived in his first season with the club, batting .291/.366/.467 with 24 doubles, 22 home runs and 64 RBI across 136 games while playing strong defense at shortstop.
The Twins and Correa are believed to have mutual interest in working out a new contract, but there are rumblings the San Francisco Giants could be preparing a mega offer for the 28-year-old after missing out on Judge.
Can Dodgers entice Carlos Correa with high AAV?
Although the Dodgers have a clear need at shortstop, they may be reluctant to address the void through a long-term contract.
There’s some belief the Dodgers may look to sign Correa to a short-term contract that would include a high average annual value.
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