Dodgers are executives’ favorite to sign one of the star free agent shortstops

The Los Angeles Dodgers are likely losing star shortstop Trea Turner, but they may be a favorite to replace him with Carlos Correa.

The Los Angeles Dodgers are notorious for spending big and creating a roster of stars, and they’re expected to do just the same this offseason as they continue the momentum of their success from the past few years. They’re likely losing star shortstop Trea Turner to free agency, but they seem to be prepared by investing in another one, particularly Carlos Correa.

According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, executives believe the leading candidate to sign Correa is the Dodgers. Money won’t be an issue as a lot of payroll clears up from Turner alone, but things might get complicated with the fanbase as Correa was part of the Houston Astros cheating scandal in 2017.

While the scandal isn’t slowing down the pursuit for most teams, it’s more personal for Los Angeles as they lost the championship to the Astros amidst that.

Carlos Correa joining the Dodgers might be controversial among fans

Correa is bound to bring talent to the team, but fans aren’t particularly fond of him because he was part of the core that helped the Astros cheat, which ultimately prevented the Dodgers from winning the 2017 World Series.

However, as it’s been several years, Los Angeles may be able to make a solid enough case for forgiveness of the star. Winning cures all.

With Turner leaving, there aren’t many other options at shortstop if they don’t go all-in on another star, and Correa is the most promising on the market.

Correa is the youngest and has a lot to offer as he’s extremely well-rounded and can produce solid results both offensively and defensively. He’s lost some speed over the years, but that isn’t a massive point of concern as he still remained great defensively with arm strength in the 72nd percentile.

He also slashed .291/.366/.467 for an OPS of .833 in 2022, very similar to Turner’s performance in the lineup. Correa would be a great replacement, and they definitely have the money to make such a big signing.