Cubs: Javy Baez could play role in Carlos Correa signing with Chicago

Could Javy Baez play a role in shortstop Carlos Correa signing with the Chicago Cubs?

There will be no free agency signings in MLB for the foreseeable future due to the lockout. That means fans will have to wait a while for shortstop Carlos Correa to make his decision as to where he will play. One of the shortstops to sign prior to the lockout was Javier Baez, who joined the Detroit Tigers on a six-year deal. Could Baez help Correa decide which team to sign with?

According to Mike Rodriguez of Univision, Correa reached out to Baez to ask about the treatment of the Chicago Cubs organization. Rodriguez also says that the Cubs and New York Yankees are the two teams most likely to sign Correa.

Cubs favorites to sign Carlos Correa?

Could Correa end up in the Windy City? We may not find out that answer for quite some time, given that baseball is shut down.

Following the World Series, the Astros sent Correa one more offer following the World Series. That was a five-year contract worth $160 million. The deal was obviously declined, as Correa explored his options.

On Wednesday, Mark Berman of FOX 26 in Houston reported that Correa’s agent has heard from the Cubs, along with the Yankees, Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers and Atlanta Braves this offseason.

As of now, Correa is the top free agent shortstop available. Corey Seager earned a 10-year, $325 million deal with the Texas Rangers. Marcus Semien also signed with the Rangers, but on a seven-year, $175 million deal. Baez agreed to terms with the Tigers on a six-year, $140 million contract.

Correa may very well break the bank and could be one of the highest-paid shortstops in the league, consider Fernando Tatis Jr. and Francisco Lindor each earned over $300 million deals last offseason.

But where he signs will remain a mystery until MLB and the Player’s Association agrees to terms on a new collective bargaining agreement.