First Pitch: Carlos Correa’s mega-contract has 3 winners and 1 clear loser

Phillies got a steal with Trea Turner, as it turns out

It’s important to point out that Trea Turner could have received more money from the San Diego Padres, but ultimately turned it down to take the 11-year, $300 million contract the Philadelphia Phillies offered him.

Correa, of course, received $50 million more than Turner, albeit over a 13-year deal.

Some could argue that Turner was the top shortstop target on the free-agent market, only he signed for less money and contract length. Something isn’t adding up here, except for the sheer fact that Turner wanted to be a Phillie, and sign closer to family.

Sometimes, it really is that simple. Turner had more money on the open market, but the Phillies were lucky enough that he wanted to play on the east coast, and that his wife was from a mere 50 miles outside Philly in Flemington, NJ. It made for the perfect storm.

A perfect storm that will make the Phillies NL East contenders for years to come, while the Giants still have significant work to do on their end.

Giants are biggest winners of Carlos Correa contract

The San Francisco Giants, had they lost out on Correa after also whiffing on Aaron Judge, would have been the laughing stock of the 2022 offseason. Now, the real fun starts.

The Giants have the face of their franchise moving forward for the next decade-plus, should they opt to keep Correa by the Bay that long. Correa plays at a premium position, is still at the front end of his prime, and has a winning pedigree. There is no downside to signing Correa, minus the checks made out by Giants ownership every year.

How successful San Francisco can be during Correa’s tenure is up to the organization. They have several moves they can make to provide a more well-rounded support group for Correa, including some corner outfield depth, and bullpen help. Carlos Rodon remains a free agent, should they wish to forge a reunion.

Correa was just the beginning. Whether it’s this offseason, or next, the Giants will spend again.