The San Francisco Giants have been looking to upgrade at shortstop this offseason. They now have their primary target.
According to Alex Pavlovic from NBC Sports, the Giants have placed Carlos Correa atop their wishlist at short. This backs up earlier reports that the Giants were interested in his services as they looked to add “significant” pieces to their lineup.
San Francisco Giants targeting Carlos Correa
Correa would certainly be an upgrade that the Giants need at the position. He posted a .291/.366/.467 batting line with 22 homers and 24 doubles in his 590 plate appearances while saving three runs. At 28 years old, he is still just entering his prime and can be that long term piece that the Giants need.
He is not going to be cheap. Correa is the only one of the top shortstops on the market without the Qualifying Offer, potentially boosting his market and his price tag since whichever team signs him will not need to part with draft picks.
The financial aspect is not necessarily a deterrent for the Giants either. They have just $18.5 million committed to payroll in 2024, a number that can increase slightly if Alex Cobb’s $10 million team option is picked up. Adding Correa, and potentially Aaron Judge as well, would not be a strain on their budget.
But Correa’s market is still going to be a waiting game. The expectation is that the big pieces from an offensive standpoint will not sign until Judge’s next contract is determined. Correa could come off the board quickly once that happens. The Giants are hoping that means a press conference where they will announce two of the best players in free agency will be heading to San Francisco.
Carlos Correa is reportedly atop the San Francisco Giants’ wish list at shortstop. He would be the upgrade to the position they need.