3 2022 free agents who deserve bigger contracts than Wander Franco

Carlos Correa — 10 years, $300+ million

The Rays hope Franco will be on the path to becoming what Carlos Correa is now. The 27-year-old shortstop is the top free agent in 2021 after establishing himself as one of the top players in the game.

He ranks 28th among active position players in career WAR. His career defensive WAR is 14th among active players.

After a series of injuries limited his ceiling, Correa went wild in 2021, ranking first in defensive WAR and second in position player WAR in the AL. He hit 26 home runs and batted .279/.366/.485. He was an All-Star and helped take the Astros back to the World Series.

He’s now set up for a huge payday, one that will dwarf Franco’s contract and come much closer to the one Francisco Lindor got from the Mets. After all, he’s approaching Lindor’s league defensively and outpaces him offensively. Moreover, he has proven to be a clutch postseason performer, involvement in the Astros sign-stealing scandal aside.

All that should put Correa in line for a $300 million contract. The only thing that could slow the market for him is his injury record.