Incredibly specific report says Cubs want Carlos Correa on 7-year deal

Hot on the heels of his report earlier this week regarding ‘mutual interest’ between the Cubs and Carlos Correa, Bruce Levine is back with more – this time on what type of contract Chicago will try to pitch to the former AL Rookie of the Year.

"“The consensus is a seven-year deal would be probably what the Cubs are gonna try to convince Correa of doing. I don’t know if that’s going to get it done.”"

After watching Corey Seager land a 10-year deal from the Texas Rangers, seeing Correa settle for seven would be somewhat of a surprise. That being said, there are definitely ways the Cubs can make it more appealing for him – including multiple opt-outs on the front end, potentially setting him up for another massive payday in the not-so-distant future.

The other – and potentially more impactful way – the Cubs can make a seven-year agreement more palatable for Correa is easy: up the AAV. On the heels of a Bleacher Nation report this week, we looked at what a five-year offer would have to look like (at least in our eyes) to get his attention, thinking somewhere in the $40 million a year range.

If we’re talking seven years, I don’t really think that number changes a whole lot. You’re definitely looking north of $35 million annually – giving you a deal somewhere in the $250 million range when it’s all said and done. That tops Anthony Rendon’s deals with the Angels – although it’s worth nothing Correa already turned down a 10-year, $275 million offer from Detroit this offseason.

What other teams will challenge the Cubs for Carlos Correa in free agency?

We’ve talked about this a bit in the past – but if the market for Correa shifts to that five-to-seven-year range, you’re going to see his market expand pretty dramatically.

The Yankees and Dodgers could both be in on Correa regardless, although I have trouble seeing New Yorkers ever embracing him given his role in the Astros’ sign-stealing scandal a few years back. Los Angeles could make more sense, especially given the fact that, barring an extension, that team could watch Trea Turner walk after 2022 in free agency.

If we’re not going a decade in length, the Astros will certainly be players for their franchise icon. If the Phillies are able to unload Didi Gregorius’ salary, perhaps they’re more interested in Correa? The Red Sox could also make sense, but that would mean moving Xander Bogaerts off shortstop.

Until the lockout ends, it’s going to be all eyes on this potential Correa pursuit when it comes to the Cubs. Landing the top free agent of the winter would definitely signal that Chicago has no intention of hiding in the cellar – and is ready to get back to winning sooner rather than later.