If the 2023 equivalent to reading tea leaves is Instagram stories, then it appears as though Carlos Correa is still on track to sign with the Mets. Tuesday morning, the shortstop posted a photo of him and his son Kylo with the caption, “Going to work with daddy today.” But it was what the one-year-old was wearing that got the attention of the internet: A play on the classic I Love NY shirt, with a pretzel in the shape of a heart.
Thus kicked off another day of Correa Watch, which is going on Day 14. The Mets and Correa have not been able to agree on altered terms of a contract after the club found something concerning in his physical.
So, where do the two parties stand right now and what do they have to lose? Let’s unpack the situation.
THE CONTRACT
Just to recap, the Mets and Correa came to an agreement on a 12-year, $315 million contract late at night on Dec. 20. This came just hours after his 13-year, $350 million contract with the San Francisco Giants fell through after the Giants cited concerns with his surgically-repaired right leg in his physical.
The contract with the Mets depended on Correa passing a physical, but at the time it appeared to be a done deal considering owner Steve Cohen called Jon Heyman of the New York Post to confirm the details. The next day, Scott Boras, Correa’s agent, said there was no issue with Correa’s health during a press conference in the Bronx to introduce Carlos Rodon.
THE FALLOUT
Correa was flown to New York on Dec. 22 on private plane to complete his physical examinations. These exams typically take a few days contract was expected to be finalized before Christmas. Players undergo a battery of tests, consisting of bloodwork, EKGs and imaging. Per Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Mets had concerns with something in his imaging. It’s unclear if their issue was the same as San Francisco’s, but Dr. Laith Jazrawi, a Sports orthopedist from NYU Langone, told the Daily News last week that the issue is likely a post-traumatic arthritis in the ankle, which could lead to cartilage degeneration within the next decade.
The Mets and Boras have not commented. The two parties were expected to renegotiate the terms of the deal but Christmas and New Year’s came and went without any indication of where the two stood.
WHAT’S AT STAKE FOR CORREA
It would be tough for Correa to enter into the market again. Last winter, he missed out on a big payday and settled for a short-term, high AAV contract with the Minnesota Twins. He opted out of his contract at the end of the season to become a free agent again. The Twins offered him a 10-year, $285 million contract that was well short of what others were willing to offer him.
Could they circle back to Correa if a deal with the Mets falls through? It’s possible, especially considering they know his medical history better than most. The Giants have also checked in again, but San Francisco general manager Farhan Zaidi said Correa and Boras seem focused on making something work with the Mets.
“We’ve had some conversations. Since then, obviously, you know, we’ve been in touch with Boras on other players as well,” Zaidi told Bay Area beat reporters on Saturday. “But our understanding and, as it’s been reported, they’re focused on a deal elsewhere at this point. So I think chances of a deal with us at this point are pretty unlikely based on their position.”
WHAT’S AT STAKE FOR THE METS
The Mets want another bat and should this deal fall through, they’re left with very few options on the market. Look no further than the Giants’ own failings in this department.
San Francisco wanted a marquee bat to build around, but by the deal with Correa fell through, they had to pivot to former Mets outfielder Michael Conforto, another Boras client who did not play last season and has now had surgery on both shoulders. Had they completed the physical with Correa at an earlier date, they could have possibly made a last-minute pitch for Dansby Swanson, who ended up going to the Chicago Cubs.
Correa was expected to move to third base and the Mets already have a quality third baseman in Eduardo Escobar, who is signed through 2023 with a club option for 2024. The 33-year-old does not figure into the Mets’ long-term plan like Correa does.
However, it’s worth noting that while much has been made about the Mets’ lack of home runs, Correa isn’t exactly a homer-heavy hitter. The 28-year-old is projected to hit about 25 next season. But he’s a very complete player and smart player at the plate, he hits for contact and he knows that drawing walks will increase his on-base percentage, which is something general manager Billy Eppler values highly.
Should things fall through with Correa, he could file a grievance, which could be trouble for the Mets. Cohen’s comments before the finalization of the contract might sway an arbitrator to side with the player.
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