What does latest Carlos Correa contract report mean for Dodgers?

Shortly after the MLB lockout commenced, it was revealed via multiple reports that the Los Angeles Dodgers had contacted Carlos Correa before free agency shut down. Days before, Corey Seager departed for the Texas Rangers.

There’s not an immediate need at shortstop given the presence of Trea Turner, but he could always remain at second base should the Dodgers opt to import Correa and flip the baseball world on its head.

The only potential problem? It’s clear Correa is gunning for the largest contract among this class of free agents, if that wasn’t already obvious enough. But in case you needed something along the lines of more verified “proof” of that, a report recently surfaced about Correa turning down the Detroit Tigers.

Yup, he said “no thanks” to 10 years and $275 million. Again, this isn’t surprising, but it’s further confirmation that the Dodgers will be in the Seager-range (or likely beyond it) if they’re eyeing Correa.

Carlos Correa turning down the Tigers likely means the Dodgers have to spend.

Seager signed a 10-year, $325 million contract with the Texas Rangers after reportedly rebuffing the Dodgers’ eight-year, $250 million offer last spring training. Reports suggested they didn’t want to approach 10 years or $300 million with Seager … but maybe they want to do that with Correa?

Or maybe they’re willing to give Correa an insane AAV on a shorter deal? What if they said $344 million over eight years? That’s $43 million per season and the largest contract for a shortstop ever. Probably not, though.

All we’re trying to say is that there’s a greater-than-ever likelihood that Correa is going to cost more than Seager, and potentially Francisco Lindor, given his poor first campaign to kick off his 10-year, $341 million contract.

If you want to hold out hope Correa won’t be that expensive, you could look at the fact he turned down the Tigers, who were really in no position to offer less money since they’re still far, far away from contending. A team like that needs to blow free agents away with offers, just like the Rangers did with Seager and Marcus Semien. A player of Correa’s caliber isn’t taking a “discount” to play with a middling team … but he might to play with a contending one? Again, probably not … but maybe.

While the Dodgers “cheaped” out on Seager and Max Scherzer, is it possible they were just saving that money for Correa, with another plan to supplement their pitching with trades and depth with more mid- to low-tier signings? Don’t really know, but we have a lot of time to think about it.

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

Are the Los Angeles Dodgers battling the Houston Astros for Carlos Correa? Per MLB insider Jon Heyman, those are the likely finalists.