Report: Cubs 'among the favorites' to sign All-Star SS Carlos Correa
Following five playoff appearances in six seasons between 2015 and 2020 , the Chicago Cubs took a significant step back during the 2021 campaign, finishing 71-91. Prior to the start of the over three-month-long lockout, the Cubs were beginning to get busy, picking up former All-Star starting pitcher Wade Miley off waivers and agreeing with fellow one-time All-Star Yan Gomes on a two-year deal to shore up their depth behind the dish.
The most significant move at the beginning of the offseason, though, likely came with their hiring of new general manager Carter Hawkins in October. Now, Hawkins and company may be looking to make the biggest splash in free agency as the countdown to Opening Day begins.
Correa is one of the most notable names on the market, coming with a Rookie of the Year award, Gold Glove award and two All-Star nods on his resumé in seven MLB seasons. The 27-year-old shortstop has also been an instrumental part of Houston's three recent AL pennants, including a World Series title in 2017.
Correa is coming off a season in which he set career highs in home runs (26), runs (104) and wins above replacement (WAR) at 7.2. His WAR was second among position players — trailing only Marcus Semien (7.3), and Correa finished a career-best fifth in the AL MVP voting.
Unsurprisingly, as he grabbed his first career Gold Glove in 2021, he also finished first in the majors in defensive WAR at 2.9.
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