No one should be surprised by Carlos Correa’s decision to terminate his contract with the Minnesota Twins this offseason. Of course, this has sparked intense speculation about his future baseball club for the 2023 season, with the New York Yankees reportedly among his preferred destinations.
This makes sense on paper. Isiah Kiner-Falefa is a good defender, but he can’t hit. He would be the Yankees’ ideal utility infielder, but having him in the lineup every day isn’t ideal for a contending team. Putting Kiner-Falefa in that role could happen next year.
The New York Yankees will not be able to land Carlos Correa
That’s especially true when considering the upcoming crop of shortstops. Trea Turner, Xander Bogaerts, and Dansby Swanson are some of the other big-name players who could be available this winter, in addition to Correa. The Yankees ought to be able to acquire a better option.
To be clear, that is not their intention. In addition to his stellar defensive play, Kiner-Falefa was signed so that the team’s top prospects would have someone to play behind while they develop. As the Yankees continue to build a core from within, one of Anthony Volpe or Oswald Peraza will take on that role for the new season.
There is a good chance that Peraza will get the first crack at it. He is currently 22 years old and thriving in Triple-A, where he has hit 15 home runs and 16 doubles in 370 plate appearances for an OPS of .761. Although Volpe is doing well at Double-A, Peraza will be promoted before him. Later this year, in the final weeks, he might even get a look.
Volpe and Peraza are the Yankees‘ future infielders. They won’t trade either player, no matter who they want. The front office wouldn’t refuse to trade either shortstop prospect only to spend the money on Correa.
The Yankees have other areas to spend money on. Aaron Judge is the top offseason priority and will command a high price. Anthony Rizzo could opt out of his deal and leave the lineup. The Yankees need a center fielder, rotation depth, and a bullpen arm. The use of Correa is a luxury that is not necessary.
It is entertaining to speculate that Carlos Correa will soon be playing for the New York Yankees. However, that is nothing more than a wishful thinking and will never become a reality.
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