Carlos Correa’s contract demands suddenly within reach after Scott Boras hire

Former Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa pulled the trigger on Tuesday night, hiring super-agent Scott Boras to get a deal done after the lockout.

Correa’s camp was failing at getting such a contract done before the lockout, and rumors of those demands falling during the work stoppage didn’t do him many favors.

With Corey Seager signing with the Texas Rangers on a 10-year, $325 million, Correa wants a deal more significant than that in part because he’s the better overall player. Correa needs to reset the free agent market to justify not re-signing with Houston, and all the years of work that went into making him the top shortstop available.

So, what kind of money is Correa after now that he has Boras on his side?

Carlos Correa contract expectations: Who will pay?

Per Jon Heyman, Correa started off the offseason demanding a contract in the $330 million – $350 million range. That’s well within reach now that he has Boras pulling the strings.

But who can match such a deal?

The Dodgers, for one, seem to have a significant edge in contract talks. Los Angeles is willing to spend on top free agent talent, as we’ve seen in previous years. If they’re keen on a player like Correa, they’ll sign him regardless of price.

The Yankees, meanwhile, don’t want to pay over $200 million for any player, let alone Correa, per reports. The Cubs prefer a shorter deal than the decade-long contract Correa is seeking, but they might be willing to match his AAV. The Astros are a bit of an unknown, though as interest increases, perhaps their offer will too.

With Boras, a so-called ‘mystery team’ is always within expectations. Plenty of teams could use a star shortstop, and with a new CBA hopefully signed in the near future, perhaps the money will flow as well in a second free agency of sorts.