ESPN’s Jeff Passan broke the news yesterday that the Giants agreed to a massive 13-year, $350 million contract with Correa on Tuesday night, the Giants’ biggest free agent splash since signing Johnny Cueto to an ill-fated six-year, $130 million contract back in 2016. Correa is the superstar San Franciso has been chasing for years and one that is loathed by fans of the Giant’s rival Los Angeles Dodgers.
Could anything be more perfect for a Giants fan?
As expected, Correa chose to opt out of his three-year contract with the Minnesota Twins, a deal that netted him $35.1 million this past season, where he slashed .291/.366/.467. The Puerto Rican native joined Trea Turner, Xander Boegaerts, and Dansby Swanson in what is turning out to be the richest free agent markets for shortstops in memory.
The shortstop signed with the Twins before the start of last season when the Astros declined to offer him a long-term deal. After failing to qualify for the postseason with Minnesota for just the 2nd time in his career in ’22, Correa will help the Giants keep pace with the Dodgers and San Diego Padres in the uber-competitive National League West division.
For those who bet MLB online, San Francisco’s odds of winning the World Series are +5000 after opening at +3500. The Dodgers are currently +700 and the Padres +1000.
Fourth Largest MLB Contract
Correa’s new 13-year contract ranks fourth all-time in guaranteed money behind the Angel’s Mike Trout (12 years, $426.5 million), the Dodgers’ Mookie Betts (12 years, $365 million), and Judge, who the New York Yankees inked to a $360 million 9 year deal just a week ago. Judge’s $40 million average annual value (AAV) establishes a new benchmark for position players but trails Mets Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander, who are both slated to make $43.33 million in 2023.
Dodgers Pass
Last week The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal reported that Los Angeles would not be pursuing Correa in free agency because of his adverse history with the team, but more importantly, the resolution of Trevor Bauer’s two-year suspension for violating the league’s policy on sexual assault and domestic violence.
The Dodgers could owe Bauer $60 million in back salary if his suspension is overturned or reduced. As a three-time luxury-tax offender, this could impact Los Angeles significantly as they would be assessed penalties on top of his salary. According to Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times, the team’s total payout could exceed $100 million if this is the case.
This and the likelihood that Los Angeles is expected to chase two-way Angels superstar Shohei Ohtani next season makes it seem unlikely that Los Angeles will be spending big this off-season.
