Carlos Correa adds fuel to Cubs rumors with latest tweet

The top MLB free agent available, Carlos Correa, was evidently impressed by Cubs fans recruiting him to Chicago through Christmas carols.

Correa wants his money — that much is obvious. He turned down a five-year, $160 million offer from the Houston Astros earlier this offseason, as well as a 10-year, $275 million offer from the Detroit Tigers.

The 27-year-old Correa is seeking a contract greater than that which Corey Seager received from the Texas Rangers. Seager signed a 10-year, $325 million deal early in free agency.

Correa has long been impressed with Cubs fans, especially last year. Wrigley Field was continuously packed as one of the cathedrals of baseball, despite the fact the Cubs weren’t competitive after trading away Javy Baez, Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo and Co.

“When they traded everybody, and then you look at the couple games after that, it was still sold out,” Correa said. “I was, like, these fans are great. So yeah.”

Carlos Correa impressed by Cubs fans’ creativity

Cubs fans sang Correa-themed Christmas carols with the hope of recruiting the star shortstop to Chicago once the lockout ends.

https://twitter.com/MLBONFOX/status/1472025302595514369

It turns out Correa was listening, and responded to Cubs fans in turn.

This is far from the first time Correa has been connected to the Cubs, and their interest makes sense. Assuming they’re willing to make Correa the offer he can’t refuse — which is a large assumption given the Ricketts’ family — he’ll be there for virtually a decade. If the Cubs are committed to winning early in his tenure, Correa is willing to be patient.

A reported back injury suffered by Correa long ago has resurfaced, as well as the lockout, which complicates contract talks. The Cubs must wait until CBA talks not just resume as they have, but a deal is agreed upon between the players and owners, before they chat with Correa.

Doing so now would be against league rules.