Dodgers rumored to battle Astros for Carlos Correa post-lockout?

If a $350 million shortstop fails to sign before a lockout deadline and floats in the ether for three full months, does it even make a sound when he signs? What if he signs with the Los Angeles Dodgers?

According to the pre-lockout buzz, Carlos Correa was more than content to wait until the terms of the new CBA had been settled, and he certainly got helped out at the 11th hour by Corey Seager’s massive deal.

If it took the Texas Rangers 10 years and $325 million to secure Seager’s services, that’s a total that Astros icon Correa will certainly be looking to beat whenever negotiations reopen.

As ridiculous as it may seem, MLB insider Jon Heyman thinks the Dodgers — one of the very few teams with that level of available coin — will be well-positioned to make a play once the lockout closes.

Their main competition? A return to the Astros, even after Houston’s rumored disrespectful first offer that all but chased Correa out of town.

Are the Dodgers competing with the Houston Astros for Carlos Correa?

Now, keep in mind that when Heyman speaks, he’s running with informed speculation. This is what he believes will happen based on both Correa’s desires and the current, surprisingly barren landscape (without the Yankees, as of now).

According to his latest Boras-fed research:

"“Carlos Correa, the question has been is he going to get the most money, or is it going to be Seager? It will be very interesting to see. Houston is certainly still interested. They weren’t anywhere near it with their $160 million offer. I think the big question is could the Dodgers do it if they don’t don’t do Freeman? I thought they would only go for Seager, and if they didn’t get Seager, they have Turner there. But with Seager not there now, so much extra money that they’re not spending, you can’t rule out the Dodgers for Correa. Those would be my two thoughts for Correa right now: Houston or the Dodgers.”"

Again, this would take a massive rejiggering from the Astros considering they previously intended to commit only five years and $160 million to the shortstop’s new deal. Maybe both sides could come together if Houston’s leadership overwhelms Correa on a two-year deal, keeping the status quo in place for a little while longer while allowing him to explore a fresh market in a few years, post-work stoppage?

No matter where the wind is blowing, rest assured that Yankee fans still somehow think they’re going to worm their way into this two-team conversation.

Will Dodgers fans embrace Correa? That’s a worry for another day.

If your spare change ends up being enough to solidify shortstop in Seager’s wake, you probably do it without blinking.

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