Chicago Cubs News: Second Free Agency Wave, Carlos Correa, and more

It would appear that the second wave of Major League Baseball free-agent signings has started as Monday saw several signings that could have connections to what the Chicago Cubs are looking to complete before the start of Spring Training.

Free-agent first baseman Brandon Belt signed a one-year deal with the Toronto Blue Jays for $9.3MM.

The Cubs were not linked to Belt previously this offseason but his deal with the Blue Jays may accelerate the market for fellow free-agent first baseman Trey Mancini. There have been conflicting reports regarding whether or not the Cubs are still interested in Mancini given that Eric Hosmer has reportedly signed with the team. The Cubs have approximately $18MM before they reach the first tier of the luxury tax for 2023 so there is room for the team to add another bat such as Mancini.

Elsewhere, veteran free-agent starting pitcher Johnny Cueto has signed with the Miami Marlins.

While the Cubs were never linked to Cueto in free-agency, the Marlins are said to have made four of their current starting pitchers available via trade. The signing of Cueto could be a precursor to trade occurring and the Cubs certainly should have an interest in making a deal with the Marlins.

Carlos Correa's negotiations accelerating with the....Minnesota Twins?

It would appear that the New York Mets may no longer be the favorites to sign Carlos Correa. Reports overnight surfaced that the Minnesota Twins have entered the picture for Correa once again and talks are believed to be accelerated.

Correa returning to the Mets would certainly be an interesting turn of events considering the aggressive comments made by team owner Steven Cohen after the signing was first reported.

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