2023 MLB Free Agent Preview: Carlos Correa

2023 MLB Free Agent Preview: Carlos Correa

The shortstop free agent class for 2023 continues to grow, and we’ve added another elite-caliber player to that group. Carlos Correa is opting out of his contract with the Minnesota Twins after only playing one season with the team.

2022 Review

Correa proved he didn’t need Houston to be successful. He batted .291/.366/.467 with 22 homers and 64 RBIs. It was a slight decline from his 2021 breakout season, but the offense paired with being one of the best defensive shortstops made him a highlight with the Twins. He’s seeking a long-term deal, and with Scott Boras as his agent, Correa could be looking at around $250 million or more this offseason.

Potential Landing Spots

Correa is most likely out of the Twins’ price-range, and I don’t think he wants to be there long term. There are plenty of shortstop holes this offseason, so options are aplenty for the 28-year-old.

Los Angeles Dodgers

Wouldn’t this be something? The man who Dodger fans hated head to toe because of the 2017 World Championship joining the organization five years later. The Dodgers have money though, and I doubt their front office cares about the scandal anymore. Trea Turner is most likely going to the east coast, which would leave that shortstop position wide open. The Dodgers won’t settle if they want to remain a powerhouse in the NL and adding a piece like Correa will help that cause.

Chicago Cubs

The Cubs need something to be excited about and having lots of payroll flexibility gives them an opportunity to make a splash. Willson Contreras won’t return, leaving that face of the franchise spot open for the Cubs. It’s an unlikely scenario, but it’s not uncommon for retooling teams to make a big splash in free agency.

Boston Red Sox

The Red Sox may be losing another fan favorite that could be replaced by Correa. Xander Bogaerts opted out of his contract with the Red Sox, hitting the market for the first time. If they’re unable to bring him back, replacing him with another elite shortstop in Correa would make Bogaerts leaving feel like nothing. Especially with how deep the AL East is, the Red Sox can’t settle if they want to be back in the race.

Detroit Tigers

The Tigers finally took a step in the right direction when they fired vice president and general manager Al Avila in August. Now with a chance to be relevant again, signing a big name as Correa would help. He already has a connection with the team since the manager is A.J. Hinch. Even though Javier Baez is locked up long-term, moving him over to second to allow Correa in would be a big step forward.

Atlanta Braves

Similar to the Red Sox, the Braves could be losing their long-time shortstop. Dansby Swanson will hit the free-agent market, giving the Braves an opportunity to shop if Swanson doesn’t return. Correa has had more success at the plate than Swanson, so the Braves could actually be upgrading with this move. It all depends on Swanson, but Correa would help put them right back into the World Series conversation.

The Verdict

As weird as it would be, I see Correa going to the Dodgers. Out of all the shortstop openings, Turner is most likely not coming back to the Dodgers. Unless they believe another option is better, Correa going to L.A. would benefit that team. Dodger fans might not like it, but if it gets them more rings, I’m sure they’ll be able to move on.

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