Report says Carlos Correa will go to either the Cubs or Yankees

While it sure doesn’t sound like free agency will get going again anytime soon after this week’s drama between the league and MLBPA, there are still rumors circulating – particularly when it comes to the Cubs and free agent superstar shortstop Carlos Correa.

Right before the lockout hit in December, reports were flying around fast and furious connecting Chicago to the longtime Astros infielder and reigning Platinum Glove winner. But once Correa changing his representation and joined the Boras Corporation, it felt like everyone immediately pumped the brakes on those wishful thoughts.

Even Cubs beat writers have pivoted to more realistic targets, namely Nick Ahmed, Jonathan Villar and Jose Iglesias. But RJ Anderson of CBS Sports lays it out in a very different manner, saying Correa will either sign with the Yankees – or call the North Side home – in a new mailbag column.

"There are only so many major spenders with needs at shortstop remaining: the Yankees, Cubs, Astros … maybe a surprise team or two pops up, but you have to think that those are probably the main clubs pursuing these players. As such, I’m going to guess Correa ends up with either the Yankees or the Cubs, and that Story links up with either the loser of the Correa sweepstakes or the Astros."

For what it’s worth, his coworkers all chose different landings for Correa – and you can take a look at the piece in its entirety for all that. For our intents and purposes, it’s simply worth noting that there are those who cover this league who believe the former AL Rookie of the Year winds up with the Cubs before it’s all said and done.

Chicago Cubs: Carlos Correa would check a lot of boxes for this team

There’s no disputing the fact Chicago needs some reinforcements up the middle. There are legitimate concerns over the Nick Madrigal-Nico Hoerner duo and their ability to stay healthy – and this lineup badly needs some more thump. Correa would singlehandedly answer both of those questions.

The suspense won’t fade anytime soon. With the on-time start of spring training pretty much an impossibility at this point and a growing fear the regular season won’t either, we could be waiting some time before we learn where Correa spends the next chapter in his career.