San Francisco Giants get their cornerstone player in Carlos Correa
The San Francisco Giants made no secret of their desire to sign Carlos Correa. On Tuesday night, their wish came true.
According to Jeff Passan from ESPN, the Giants have their cornerstone player in Correa. He is set to sign a 13 year deal worth $350 million, likely keeping him with the Giants for the rest of his career.
Carlos Correa caps off busy few days for San Francisco Giants
The Giants were quite clear that they were looking to spend as they entered free agency. Aaron Judge and Correa were believed to be atop their wish list as they looked to upgrade their lineup and re-establish themselves as a factor in the NL West. The pitching staff needed attention as well, with the Giants looking to make significant moves.
That did not happen until recently. While Mitch Haniger was a solid addition, he was not someone that would move the needle. Judge, and those other top targets, signed elsewhere. However, the Giants fortunes started to change as Sean Manaea and Ross Stripling agreed to head to the Bay Area.
Although those pieces will help, they are not going to have the same impact as Correa. He provides an immediate upgrade in the middle of their lineup, a dangerous run producer who completely changes their dynamic. He posted a stellar .291/.366/.467 batting line with 22 homers and 24 doubles in his 590 plate appearances, the type of production that the Giants definitely need.
For Correa, this contract is a bit of vindication. He had turned down a $160 million extension from the Astros, only to sign a three year deal that could have been worth up to $105 million with the Twins as his market never truly materialized in free agency. Correa gambled once more in a crowded free agent market as he exercised his opt-out following his one season in Minnesota, hoping that he would get that long term deal he was hoping for.
It finally happened in San Francisco. The Giants desperately needed to make a splash after being rebuffed so frequently this offseason and they have done just that. Now they can focus on adding another piece or two to the lineup while hoping to bring Carlos Rodon back for the long term as well.
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The San Francisco Giants finally have their cornerstone player. Carlos Correa is reportedly set to sign a 13 year deal worth $350 million to head to the Bay Area.