Cubs desire for Carlos Correa contract could doom chances

The Chicago Cubs have a specific contract desire that may eliminate them from the Carlos Correa sweepstakes.

Once the MLB lockout ends (whenever that is), all eyes will be on the sweepstakes for former Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa. Correa is the top option at the position available once the league restarts, with Corey Seager, Javier Baez and Marcus Semien all off the board. A recent report from 670 The Score’s Bruce Levine said that Correa had mutual interest with the Chicago Cubs. But, there is some hesitancy in terms of contract length.

During an interview with ESPN 97.5FM in Houston, Levine said that the Cubs could attempt to target Correa on a seven-year contract, but is unsure if that will get Correa to agree to sign.

“The consensus is that a seven-year deal would be probably what the Cubs are going to try to convince Correa of doing,” Levine said, via Tim Stebbins of NBC Sports Chicago. “I don’t know if that’s going to get it done.”

Cubs rumored to seek seven-year contract for Carlos Correa

Levine noted in his report earlier this week (linked above) that Correa is believed to be seeking a 10-year contract, and the Cubs do not want to commit to a deal that lengthy. Could that be a hold up? We will not know that until the lockout reaches its conclusion.

Correa is coming off a strong 2021 campaign where he was named to the All-Star Game, reached the World Series for the third time in his career and won his first Gold Glove award. In 148 games, Correa slashed .279/.366/.485 while recording 26 home runs, 92 RBI, 104 runs and 155 hits.

The Cubs will have some competition for Correa once MLB teams and major league free agents can resume negotiations. Will they ultimately cave and offer a 10-year contract to secure Correa’s services? That will remain to be seen.