New York Mets

The Carlos Correa saga remains in flux, but one insider believes it will eventually end with the shortstop suiting up for the New York Mets.

"I'd be surprised if he's not [a Met]," a person close to the situation told Jon Heyman of the New York Post.

While headline players such as Aaron Judge and Justin Verlander signed new deals, the Correa story has become the most memorable one of the offseason.

It seemed to have a straightforward ending when he agreed to a 13-year, $350 million deal with the San Francisco Giants, but that fell apart when the team grew concerned with an old leg injury after a physical examination.

The Mets jumped at the chance to add the star shortstop, agreeing to a 12-year, $315 million contract. However, that deal is in a holding pattern after similar concerns arose following a physical examination.

Given the events with the Giants and the demand Correa figures to draw as such an impact player, it would be understandable if fans assumed he won't sign with the Mets either. Yet Heyman listed a number of reasons that the shortstop will remain in New York, including a desire for both the player and team owner Steve Cohen to make it happen.

What's more, Scott Boras, who is Correa's agent, has "grown close" with Cohen while negotiating deals for Max Scherzer and Brandon Nimmo, and ending this potential pairing could jeopardize that relationship.

"A few teams have been calling, but even a week after the Mets agreement, they are being told it's only a Mets game—for now," Heyman wrote.

While Correa has dealt with injury concerns in the past and appeared in just 75 games in 2019 after playing 109 in 2017 and 110 in 2018, he has been fairly durable of late. He missed just two games during the shortened 2020 campaign, appeared in 148 in 2021 and played 136 in 2022.

Whichever team ends up with him will land a player with a World Series crown, Gold Glove, Platinum Glove and two All-Star selections on his resume. He can impact the game with his bat and glove and is just 28 years old.

It seems like he will be in the middle of the Mets' lineup in 2023, but the process still hasn't fully played out.

Carlos Correa will have to learn a new position with the New York Mets, but the two-time All-Star's agent has no concerns about his ability to thrive.

Speaking to reporters Thursday, Scott Boras said Correa thinks he can "seize" third base and that he will be able to "get a little bit stronger."

News of Correa's deal with the Mets sent shock waves throughout the baseball world. The 28-year-old originally agreed to a 13-year, $350 million contract with the San Francisco Giants on Dec. 13.

The Giants scheduled a press conference for Tuesday to officially announce the contract, but it was postponed shortly before the 2 p.m. ET start time because of concerns over Correa's physical.

The Mets acted quickly to give Correa a deal that isn't far off what he would have received from the Giants. He agreed to a 12-year, $315 million contract in the early morning hours Wednesday, per Jon Heyman of the New York Post.

Per Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area, the issue involved an ankle injury Correa suffered in the minors during the 2014 season that required surgery to repair a fractured right fibula and a ligament.

Adding Correa to the Mets roster meant a position change because Francisco Lindor is entrenched as the shortstop.

This will be the second time Correa and Lindor will have been teammates. They were on the Puerto Rican team that finished second in the 2017 World Baseball Classic. Lindor was the starting shortstop, with Correa handling third base.

As Boras alluded to, moving to the hot corner could help Correa's offensive game. He can add muscle because he doesn't have to be as fast at third base as he does at shortstop.

A more potent offensive version of Correa is a dangerous proposition for the rest of the National League. He is a .279/.357/.479 career hitter and has hit at least 20 homers in six of his eight seasons.

In addition to Correa, New York brought in Justin Verlander, José Quintana, Kodai Senga, Adam Ottavino and David Robertson and re-signed Brandon Nimmo and Edwin Díaz.

The Mets are looking for a stronger finish next season after their 101-win 2022 campaign ended with a loss to the San Diego Padres in the National League Wild Card Series.

The offseason of Steve Cohen continued with a stunning turn of events Wednesday when Carlos Correa agreed to a deal with the New York Mets.

Per Jon Heyman of the New York Post, Correa hammered out a 12-year, $315 million contract with the Mets after his pact with the San Francisco Giants fell through.

Correa and the Giants were set to announce his 13-year, $350 million deal Tuesday, but Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area reported the team postponed the press conference less than three hours before its 11 a.m. local time start.

Per Ronald Blum of the Associated Press, the Giants postponed the press conference because of a "medical concern" that arose from Correa's physical.

Heyman noted Correa will play third base, as Francisco Lindor is entrenched as the Mets' starting shortstop.

There were rumblings that Cohen was trying to get in on Correa before he agreed to a deal with the Giants.

Speaking to Heyman on Dec. 17, the Mets owner said he was told by Correa's agent, Scott Boras, they were "already down the road" with San Francisco by the time the Mets tried to get in on the two-time All-Star.

"We thought maybe he might fall to us," Cohen said.

After the Mets stole Correa from San Francisco, Cohen told Heyman he thought the team needed "one more thing" to help it win a World Series.

"This was important … This puts us over the top," he said. "This is a good team. I hope it's a good team!"

While it's not unheard of for an agreement to fall through because of a medical concern, the Mets' swooping in to get Correa at the eleventh hour speaks to how committed Cohen is in his attempt to bring a championship to Queens.

Assuming Correa's deal gets finalized, the Mets will come out of this offseason with arguably the best position player and starting pitcher (Justin Verlander) on the free-agent market. They also added Japanese star Kodai Senga and re-signed Edwin Diaz and Brandon Nimmo.

Per ESPN's Jeff Passan, the Mets are projected to pay a total of $495 million between payroll ($384 million) and luxury-tax payments ($111) in 2023.

The 2015 Los Angeles Dodgers previously held the record for highest payroll in MLB history at $291 million.

Adding Correa to a lineup that includes Lindor, Nimmo, Pete Alonso, Starling Marte, Eduardo Escobar and Jeff McNeil has the potential to give the Mets the best offense in MLB.

The New York Mets have showed interest in a potential trade for Chicago White Sox closer Liam Hendriks, according to Jon Heyman of MLB Network.

Heyman noted "many" other teams also like the reliever.

Michael Mayer of Metsmerized first reported the Mets contacted the White Sox about Hendriks.

The 32-year-old has spent the last two years in Chicago, posting a 2.66 ERA with 198 strikeouts in 128.2 innings and 75 total saves in this span.

Hendriks was even better during his previous two years with the Oakland Athletics, producing a 1.79 ERA, 0.897 WHIP and 13.1 strikeouts per nine innings across 99 appearances.

Not only does he have three All-Star selections over the last four years, but he's also received votes for Cy Young and MVP in this span.

It makes him a highly sought-after player despite a $14.33 million contract for 2023 and a $15 million club option in 2024 that automatically vests with a trade, per Spotrac.

The Mets have already shown money is not a problem this offseason while signing Edwin Diaz, Justin Verlander, Brandon Nimmo, Kodai Senga and more. The team currently has the highest payroll in the majors for 2023 at $282 million.

Adding Henriks would put the team another step toward contention while creating one of the best bullpens in baseball.

Diaz was the NL Hoffman Reliever Award last season after finishing with a 1.31 ERA and an incredible 17.1 strikeouts per nine innings. He will likely remain the team's closer after signing a five-year, $102 million contract in the offseason.

New York also added David Robertson, Brooks Raley and Elieser Hernandez this offseason to fill different roles in a mostly remade bullpen.

Hendriks could fill the eighth-inning role as part of a dominant back of the rotation for the Mets.

Of course, the interest around the league ensures this type of deal likely won't come cheap. New York has avoided trading its top prospects like Francisco Álvarez, Brett Baty and Ronny Mauricio, but the team might need to be more aggressive to land a proven player like Hendriks.

Reigning American League Cy Young Award winner Justin Verlander credited owner Steve Cohen at his introductory press conference for his decision to leave the Houston Astros for the New York Mets.

"I took a leap of faith, and here we are a few weeks later, and I think that leap of faith has paid off," Verlander told reporters Tuesday. "Ultimately, some of those pieces aren't cheap."

Verlander responded with one word, "Steve," when asked what convinced him to join the Mets, who were in the market for a big-name pitcher after losing two-time National League Cy Young Award winner Jacob deGrom in free agency to the Texas Rangers.

The Mets rebounded nicely by adding Verlander, who inked a two-year, $86.7 million contract.

Per Danny Abriano of SNY, Verlander said he had a "lovely conversation" with Cohen and got a "positive vibe for what his vision of this franchise is, and that he wants to make this franchise amazing."

He also added that conversations with general manager Billy Eppler and manager Buck Showalter convinced him that everyone is on the same page regarding turning the Mets into a championship-caliber team.

"To follow that up, speaking with Billy and the rest of the staff -- Buck (Showalter) -- they all share that same vision and passion to do whatever is necessary to make this a championship-caliber organization again. And really, that's what it came down to for me was wanting to be a part of this vision moving forward. And obviously this organization took a gigantic step forward last year, had a great season. I think it's only going to continue in the right direction."

Cohen has backed up that sentiment by going on offseason spending sprees since he bought the team in late 2020. This year, he's committed $476.7 million to seven free agents, per Blum, including $162 million to retain Brandon Nimmo and $75 million to add Japanese starting pitcher Kodai Senga.

They join a Mets team that won 101 games last year but fell to the San Diego Padres in the Wild Card Series.

Cohen is clearly pulling out all the stops, to the point where the team is projected to have a $360 million luxury-tax payroll in 2023, per Blum.

Ultimately, Cohen isn't afraid to spend hundreds of millions to get the Mets their first World Series championship since 1986, and that has led to Verlander joining a stacked roster.

Veteran outfielder Michael Conforto has not played since the 2021 season, but he still has interest in free agency.

The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal reported Monday that three teams are pursuing Conforto.

"The Rangers, seeking an impact bat in left field, are among the teams with interest, along with the Mets and Blue Jays," Rosenthal wrote.

Conforto made his MLB debut in 2015 and played seven years with the Mets. The 2021 season featured some of the worst numbers he's ever recorded, including a career-low slugging percentage of .384. He declined a qualifying offer to test free agency last offseason.

In April, Conforto's agent, Scott Boras, announced that the now-29-year-old underwent shoulder surgery and would not be ready to play until 2023. Conforto spent the year unsigned.

Rosenthal noted that some teams are "concerned about his ability to throw at full strength." Conforto also might not be able to play in the outfield every day, which could affect interest in him.

"If Conforto requires time at designated hitter, he might be less attractive to clubs that want more of a full-time outfielder," Rosenthal wrote.

In his career, Conforto has hit .255/.356/.468 with 132 home runs and 396 RBI. If he's healthy, he can contribute to any team.

The Minnesota Twins won big in free agency on Friday with the official signing of coveted catcher Christian Vázquez. They also reached an agreement with outfielder Joey Gallo.

Vázquez, who is fresh off his second World Series win, reached a three-year agreement with Minnesota earlier in the week.

Update: Three-year deal for Christian Vazquez with the Twins.

— Pete Abraham (@PeteAbe) December 13, 2022

Gallo is joining on a one-year deal, according to ESPN's Jeff Passan.

Minnesota's new additions come in shortly after former Twins shortstop Carlos Correa agreed to join the San Francisco Giants.

According to The Athletic's Dan Hayes, Minnesota offered more in annual salary, but it wasn't enough for a franchise that hasn't won a playoff series since 2002.

What's next for the Twins as they look to return to contention in the American League? According to Hayes, Minnesota may turn to the trade market—with Sonny Gray, Kenta Maeda and Luis Arraez drawing interest.

Per Hayes, Arraez is a player Minnesota would "consider dealing as part of a package for a prominent pitcher."

If Arraez is available, the New York Mets would be wise to make a run at him.

The Mets—who are loaded in the pitching rotation after adding Koudai Senga to a group that also includes Jose Quintana, Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander—are reportedly looking to move a pitcher of their own.

"The Mets are listening to trade offers on Carlos Carrasco," Joel Sherman of the New York Post wrote. "They believe the rise in free-agent prices, notably for starting pitchers, will make Carrasco an appealing piece at one year and $14 million for all of those shut out of the pricey market. Think teams such as the Twins, Royals and probably at least five or six more."

Would a package that includes Carrasco interest the Twins? That's debatable. Like Gray and Maeda, Carrasco is set to be a free agent next year, and the 35-year-old probably isn't considered a "prominent" pitcher.

However, Carrasco is a solid starter who went 15-7 last season. If the Twins believe they're building a strong playoff team, they could be interested. Carrasco's $14 million salary for 2023 is reasonable.

New York would undoubtedly have to include more in a trade offer for Arráez, who is under team control through 2025. but it's absolutely worth an exploratory inquiry. Arráez, the reigning AL batting champion, would be an ideal fit for the Mets.

New York favors an offense that plays for contact rather than power. The Mets ranked second in batting average last season (.259) but only 15th in home runs (171). Adding a combination of power and efficiency to the lineup would be ideal, which may be part of the reason why the Mets were also interested in Correa before he joined the Giants.

According to Hayes, Andy McCullough and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Mets' plan was to play Correa at third base.

Arraez, a utility infielder, could slot right in at third, and while he might not possess the power of Correa (only eight home runs in 2022 versus 22), he'd still provide a huge offensive boost.

En route to the batting title, Arraez hit .316 with 49 RBI. He was more efficient than Correa in both BA and on-base percentage (.375 versus .366).

Of course, the question isn't whether Arraez would be right for the Mets, it's whether they could possibly pry him from Minnesota. Carrasco could start the conversation.

According to Hayes, McCullough and Rosenthal, catcher James McCann and third baseman Eduardo Escobar could also be made available, and possibly others: "The Mets may also have to explore interest in top prospects like Brett Baty and Mark Vientos."

The Mets owe it to themselves to find out exactly what Arraez would cost. Franchise owner Steve Cohen has shown that he's unafraid to spend big on win-now moves, and adding Arraez is exactly the sort of deal that could help bring New York its first playoff series win since 2016.

The New York Mets are reportedly shopping starting pitcher Carlos Carrasco and catcher James McCann, according to Andy Martino of SNY.

The Mets have added depth in both areas, which has made the two veterans expendable heading into 2023.

New York has signed starting pitchers Justin Verlander, Kodai Senga and José Quintana already this offseason alongside ace Max Scherzer and young options like Tylor Megill and David Peterson.

At catcher, the Mets recently signed Omar Narváez with McCann and Tomás Nido already on the roster. Francisco Álvarez is also the No. 1 prospect in baseball, per MLB.com.

Álvarez appeared in just five major-league games last season, but his 27 home runs in 112 minor league games show he could contribute soon for the Mets. He could also spend time at designated hitter in 2023 while he improves defensively.

Even without Álvarez, there is still a logjam at catcher while McCann remains on the roster.

The 32-year-old signed a four-year deal in 2021 after two productive seasons with the Chicago White Sox, but he has struggled since coming to New York. After hitting .276 with a .808 OPS in Chicago, he has just a .220 average and .610 OPS with the Mets.

In 61 games in 2022, McCann hit .195 with three home runs while missing significant time because of hand and oblique injuries.

With $12.15 million owed in each of 2023 and 2024, there likely won't be a busy market for McCann. However, he is just three years removed from an All-Star selection and could be acquired for cheap as the Mets try to clear roster space.

There should be more teams interested in Carrasco, who went 15-7 with a 3.97 ERA last season. The 35-year-old had been limited by injuries over the past three years, but he returned to form while showing the skill set that made him a Cy Young candidate in 2017.

With $14 million owed in 2023, the veteran could be a reliable addition for teams seeking pitching depth.

Considering the Mets have the highest payroll in baseball at $282 million, per Spotrac, it makes sense for the organization to shed some high salaries.

The New York Mets have shown interest in free-agent shortstop Carlos Correa, per Ken Rosenthal, Dan Hayes and Andy McCullough of The Athletic.

Correa would play third base for the Mets with All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor already entrenched at the position in New York.

The Mets have already been big spenders in free agency, adding starting pitchers Justin Verlander (two years, $86.7 million) and Koudai Senga (five years, $75 million).

They've also re-signed outfielder Brandon Nimmo (eight years, $162 million) and closer Edwin Diaz (five years, $102 million).

Correa's future contract should easily dwarf all of those numbers. The shortstop market has been lucrative, with stars Trea Turner ($300 million with the Philadelphia Phillies) and Xander Bogaerts ($280 million with the San Diego Padres) signing big deals.

He could land a contract north of $300 million—Jim Bowden of The Athletic notably predicted that Correa would go to the Chicago Cubs for 10 years and $327 million.

The two-time All-Star excelled for the Minnesota Twins last year with a .291 batting average, 22 home runs, 64 RBI and an .834 OPS.

He played seven seasons with the Houston Astros before signing with the Twins last year. Correa inked a three-year, $105.3 million deal but opted out of that contract.

Correa's decision to bet on himself should be quite lucrative. He doesn't have a shortage of suitors, with Jon Heyman of the New York Post reporting on other teams in the mix.

Giants, Twins, Cubs are among teams in on Carlos Correa, who has the advantages of being a little younger than Bogaerts and Turner and also having no qualifying offer

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 10, 2022

However, Mets owner Steve Cohen has shown he isn't afraid to go over the top in New York, as the team sported the second-highest payroll in baseball last year. It's not impossible to see Correa with the Mets because of Cohen's willingness to spend even if he'd be playing a new position. Still, New York should have plenty of competition as the market apparently heats up for the star shortstop.