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The MLB lockout is raging on, though that shouldn't stop baseball fans from speculating about the game's biggest storylines to help pass the time. Free agent shortstop Carlos Correa is one of those big storylines, as there were MLB teams lining up to bid for his services before the work stoppage. Correa is still in his prime, is one of the best hitting shortstops in the game, and just so happens to be perhaps the best fielder at the position. There will be no shortage of teams interested in Correa's services, with several teams having reportedly reached out to him before the lockout. Which teams make the most sense, though? Here are the three best free agent destinations for Carlos Correa once the MLB lockout ends.
3 Best Free Agent Destinations for Carlos Correa
3. Houston Astros
It seems like a cop-out but Correa very well could end up back in Houston after the lockout. Teams went on an all-out spending spree before the lockout, but that was with an old CBA in place. If and when the lockout ends, there could be new policies in place that make teams less likely to want to spend big on free agents. That would mean that Correa, who is reportedly seeking anywhere from $325 to $330 million, may not get the big payday. There's also the fact that the Astros might just be the best of any team lobbying for his services. They've won 95 or more games in each of the last four full seasons, making it to the World Series in three of those years while securing one title. Correa's fingerprints were all over those teams. He's a fan favorite in Houston and would be welcomed back with open arms.
2. New York Yankees
The Yankees need a shortstop just about as badly as anybody in the league. And not just any shortstop, but one whose qualities look an awful lot like Correa's. Incumbent Yankees shortstop Gleyber Torres ranked 34th in the Statcast statistic, Outs Above Average, which basically tracks how much better a fielder is compared to a league average counterpart. Correa? He ranked sixth in the MLB. Oh, and the Astros shortstop also swings a potent bat, having exceeded an .850 OPS four times in his career. His bat would fit in nicely with a lineup that already features sluggers such as Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton and Joey Gallo. It's a no-brainer for the Yankees, though they might not want to open up their wallets for Correa.
1. Atlanta Braves
The Braves have their hands full with the Freddie Freeman situation. Whether or not the Braves are able to re-sign Freeman, they have an opportunity to upgrade the shortstop position after just winning a World Series. The Braves need to take advantage, as they could potentially have a lineup that features stars such as Ronald Acuna Jr, Ozzie Albies and Carlos Correa. If they ultimately lose Freeman, having Correa would soften the infield blow. The Braves must at least consider the Astros shortstop as a serious option.
