Yankees could make a surprise blockbuster infield signing

carlos correa, yankees
Sep 29, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Twins shortstop Carlos Correa (4) in action against the Chicago White Sox at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Yankees are taking a patient approach with star pitcher Carlos Rodon, especially with his agent, Scott Boras, trying to extract more money in free agency.

Rodon is looking for a deal that spans 6+ years, but the Yankees are only willing to settle for 4–5. In the scenario that Rodon ends up signing elsewhere, the Yankees could turn their attention toward the top remaining infielder on the market, Carlos Correa.

The team I’m watching at the moment — the Yankees. Because I’m definitely picking up a lot of vibes there that yeah they signed Aaron Judge to that $360 million deal, but they’re working on something big.” – @Buster_ESPN


Carlos Correa would certainly solve a big hole for the Yankees:

If the Bombers end up taking a shot at Correa, he would solve their shortstop position for years at just 28 years old. Considering the team has Oswald Peraza and Anthony Volpe climbing the system and ready to make an impact in 2023, they will have plenty of assets to smooth over a unit that has struggled in the past.

Eventually, Correa could end up shifting to second base once Volpe takes over full-time, which makes Peraza a perfect trade piece for an outfielder like Bryan Reynolds from the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Correa, a 6’4″, 220-pound infielder, is coming off a stellar 2022 season with the Minnesota Twins. He opted out of his contract after just one season, hitting .291 with a 36.6% on-base rate, 22 homers, and 64 RBIs. He struck out at 20.5%, his career average, walking at 10.3% and recording a 140 wRC+.

Defensively, Correa is known as one of the most consistent players at his position. Over 1113.1 innings this past season at shortstop, he featured a .983 fielding percentage with eight errors and 48 double plays turned. He enjoyed three defensive runs saved above average but posted 20 defensive runs saved with the Houston Astros in 2021.

Correa is reportedly looking for a deal in the 10-year, $345 million range, but the Yankees are likely unwilling to give him a contract of that length. It is possible they sign him to a big money deal over shorter years to try and move on after competing for a World Series in the immediate future.

Reports indicating that the Yankees have interest in a big-name signing like Correa is likely a tactic to try and force Rodon’s hand. It is tough to imagine they bring in Judge, Rodon, and Correa in one off-season. Boras has already tipped out some of his final stops to try and increase Rodon’s market, including a supposed “mystery team” that likely doesn’t exist. The last time Boras used this strategy was with Gerrit Cole, who signed with the Yankees shortly after.