MLB insider gives Cubs renewed hope for top free-agent target

According to MLB Network insider Jon Morosi, the Chicago Cubs are the “most likely” landing spot for this top free agent.

This Hot Stove season, while most of the attention will be on outfielder Aaron Judge, there will be a focus on the top four free-agent shortstops. Those names are Trea Turner, Dansby Swanson, Xander Bogaerts and Carlos Correa. We have already heard that the Philadelphia Phillies are reportedly the favorites to sign Turner. But what about any of the other three?

During an appearance on MLB Network’s “Hot Stove,” insider Jon Morosi expressed his belief that the Chicago Cubs are the most likely landing spot for Correa.

The comments come at the 8:40 mark of the video linked above.

MLB insider says Cubs are most likely landing spot for Carlos Correa

“I still look at the North Side of Chicago, a team that had a lot of interest in him out of the Draft initially, and a team that’s now looking for the credibility to arrive once again to contender status in Major League Baseball,” said Morosi, h/t Cubbies Crib. “Carlos Correa I believe needs that stage of the North Side marquee team to try to get back to the postseason. And the Cubs need him … the mutual interest and collaboration there for Correa with the Cubs just to me … makes too much sense. … I believe Correa leaves the Twin Cities, and Chicago to me is the most likely destination.”

As Morosi mentions, the Cubs were interested in Correa when he was in the 2012 MLB Draft, where he was ultimately selected first overall by the Houston Astros. Let’s not forget that the Cubs were linked to Correa last offseason when he first hit free agency. Ultimately, nothing really progressed between both parties, and he signed a three-year, $105.3 million contract with the Minnesota Twins.

This past season, Correa recorded a .291 batting average, a .366 on-base percentage, a .467 slugging percentage, 22 home runs, 64 RBI, 70 runs scored, and 152 hits.

Correa opted out of his contract with the Twins this offseason.

The Cubs will be a team worth monitoring on the Correa front. Of course, the Twins can’t be ruled out in trying to re-sign Correa either.