Carlos Correa not heading to New York Yankees this offseason

To no one’s surprise, Carlos Correa is expected to opt out of his contract with the Minnesota Twins this offseason. Naturally, this has started a firestorm of speculation as to where he will land for the 2023 campaign, with the New York Yankees near the top of potential suitors.

Such a connection makes sense on paper. Isiah Kiner-Falefa may be a stellar defensive option but has not done much with the bat. He would be the perfect utility infielder for the Yankees, but having him in the lineup every day is not exactly ideal for a contending team. Putting Kiner-Falefa in that utility role could easily happen as soon as next year.

New York Yankees will not land Carlos Correa

That is especially the case when looking at the crop of shortstops that will be available. In addition to Correa, Trea Turner, Xander Bogaerts, and Dansby Swanson are also expected to hit the market this offseason. The Yankees should be able to land an upgrade.

But that is not their plan. Kiner-Falefa was brought in for two reasons – to play excellent defense and to keep the seat warm for their top prospects. Either Anthony Volpe or Oswald Peraza will be getting that role next season as the Yankees look to keep building a core from within.

Chances are, Peraza will get that first opportunity. He is in Triple-A currently, holding his own with a .761 OPS, along with 15 homers and 16 doubles, in 370 plate appearances as a 22 year old. Volpe is still in Double-A and performing well, but Peraza will get that chance first. He may even get a look later this year over the final few weeks.

The Yankees have made it clear that Volpe and Peraza are their future in the middle of the infield. They have refused to consider trading either player no matter who their target was. There is no chance that the front office would be so adamant about not trading either shortstop prospect only to turn around and spend the money on Correa.

The Yankees also have other places they will need to spend money on. Aaron Judge is clearly the biggest priority this offseason and is going to command a large amount of money. Anthony Rizzo could opt out of his deal and re-enter free agency, leaving another gap in the lineup. The Yankees need a center fielder, rotation depth, and another arm or two in the bullpen. Correa would be an unnecessary luxury.

It is fun to think about Carlos Correa joining the New York Yankees. However, that is nothing more than a pipe dream and will not happen.