Chicago Cubs Rumors: Carlos Correa connections continue

The Major League Baseball General Manager meetings took place last week and it was identified that the Chicago Cubs have cast a wide net this offseason as they look for upgrades at the middle of the infield, first base, and centerfield positions in addition to upgrades to their pitching staff.

FanSided's Robert Murray was present at the General Meetings last week and in his rankings of the Top 25 Major League Baseball free agents, including some information on what he has heard in regard to interested teams for each free agent.

The Cubs were a popular team mentioned in Murray's rankings as he had the team mentioned in connection with shortstops Carlos Correa and Xander Bogaerts, first baseman Jose Abreu, and Japanese starting pitcher Kodai Senga.

The fact that the Cubs, after the General Manager meetings, are continuing to be linked to the names at the top of the list of available free agents is an encouraging sign. When insiders such as Murray connect the Cubs to names such as Correa, Bogaerts, and Abreu, it is some insight into the conversations that were had at the meetings.

The Chicago Cubs continue to be connected to Carlos Correa and Jose Abreu.

What caught my eye the most in Murray's latest information is the projected contract mentioned for Jose Abreu.

" On the surface, Abreu had a very strong season. He hit .304/.378/.446 with a career-low 16.2 strikeout percentage. But his 15 home runs were the lowest of his career (he’s hit at least 22 homers in seven of the last eight seasons). A return to the White Sox is far from a lock, as the team may be ready to make Andrew Vaughn their primary first baseman. Abreu should still draw considerable interest, with a team like the crosstown Cubs making sense. A rival agent predicted a two-year deal in the $45 million range."

- FanSided

There are two specific reasons why Abreu makes sense for the Cubs. The first reason is the location as the Cubs would allow Abreu to remain in the city of Chicago and not be forced to uproot his family. The second reason is because of the Cubs' preference to sign free agents to short-term deals with a high AAV. The predicted two-year deal for Abreu would seemingly be the exact type of deal the team is looking to make.

The Cubs once again being connected to Correa should not be overlooked either. Of all the free agent shortstops, Correa makes the most sense for the Cubs but the question remains over how many years the team would be willing to offer the free agent shortstop.