MLB insider suggests Dodgers signing Carlos Correa remains realistic

LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 13: Chris Taylor #3 of the Los Angeles Dodgers is out at second as Carlos Correa #1 of the Houston Astros makes the throw to first for a double play in the second inning at Dodger Stadium on September 13, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 13: Chris Taylor #3 of the Los Angeles Dodgers is out at second as Carlos Correa #1 of the Houston Astros makes the throw to first for a double play in the second inning at Dodger Stadium on September 13, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)

Los Angeles Dodgers fans could hardly even handle mere speculation that it “made sense” for Carlos Correa to join the team in free agency when the lockout ends. Correa is expensive. The Dodgers spend. Correa is a shortstop. The Dodgers could fill the void left by Corey Seager and leave Trea Turner at second base. The fit is there.

But LA fans want nothing to do with the man who played a role in screwing the Dodgers out of the 2017 World Series thanks to the Houston Astros’ sign-stealing scandal that was revealed through a widespread MLB investigation.

Can’t really blame them, either! New York Yankees fans are somewhat struggling with the same possibility (even though that’s much less likely to happen).

Additionally, there’s the whole lack of consistency with Correa. Yes, his postseason numbers are godly, but he’s played in more than 110 games in a single season just twice. He’s only a two-time All-Star and one-time Gold Glover. Great player, but perhaps not enough of a track record to earn $350 million or more in free agency … especially after all the cheating stuff.

In another blow to Dodgers fans, though, MLB insider and FanSided’s own Robert Murray revealed that a Dodgers-Correa union is very much a possibility based on what he’s hearing in baseball circles.

Will the Dodgers actually consider signing Carlos Correa?

Let’s say the Dodgers miss out on Freddie Freeman, who is believed to be one of their top targets post-lockout. At this point, Freeman’s price tag, longevity and value he brings to the first base position is much more appealing than Correa, so LA might face more market competition there.

As for Correa, there’s not going to be much competition after he hired Scott Boras and is reportedly seeking a deal in excess of Francisco Lindor’s $341 million. Only a handful of teams would be able to afford that (and even fewer might even be considering it) whereas a six-year, $180 million contract for Freeman remains in the wheelhouse of mid-market and big market franchises.

Missing out on Freeman would leave Correa as the next prize, unless LA is interested in Trevor Story (which is doubtful based on the rumors and reports thus far in the offseason). If the Dodgers can’t work out a long-term deal with Trea Turner before the season, might they go after Correa to insure the shortstop position for the foreseeable future and give them a core of Correa, Mookie Betts and Chris Taylor beyond the 2023 season?

It’s obvious to see why it remains a possibility, and it’s not mere conjecture because the Dodgers reportedly contacted his representation before the lockout.

There’s no such thing as an overpay when it comes to the Dodgers. They can afford anything. So getting one of the best players in baseball — even though some of the wounds concerning Correa might not be fully healed — is a frequent Dodgers strategy and remains very much in play as we wait for a new CBA.

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