Cubs Rumors: Giants eyeing Carlos Correa; is Aaron Judge holding things up?

The Aaron Judge sweepstakes, by all indications, are down to the New York Yankees and San Francisco Giants. As the Winter Meetings get started on Monday in San Diego, some expect a fairly quick resolution there - which could have a domino effect on the loaded free agent class of shortstops.

Cubs Rumors: Giants could pivot to Carlos Correa if they miss on Aaron Judge

According to NBC Bay Area, the Giants' backup plan if they miss out on Judge is former AL Rookie of the Year Carlos Correa - who has been linked to Chicago dating back more than a year. The Cubs dipped their toe in the water last February before he wound up shocking us all and signing with Minnesota and, now that he's opted out, they'll have another bite at the apple this offseason.

But before we delve more deeply into Correa, it's worth pausing on Judge for just a moment. San Francisco has a ton of money to spend this winter and have made it clear they won't be outbid for the slugging outfielder, who set an American League record with 62 home runs this season. While we all wait to see if he returns to the Bronx or not, for fans of teams like the Cubs, you need to understand the situation at hand: every single one of these guy's agents knows if the Giants miss on Judge, they're going to come calling - and they're going to do so with deep pockets.

That means there's going to be no rush to sign a deal if you think there's even the slimmest chance Farhan Zaidi and the Giants might come calling once we have a conclusion to the Judge saga. That could mean more waiting for an impatient Cubs fanbase that's desperate for a major signing.

Depending on who you ask, Chicago remains in play for Correa - although their aversion to a long-term deal seems like it'll take them out of the running for his services at some point. At just 28 years old, a 10-year pact isn't out of the question for the two-time All-Star and that might be too rich for Jed Hoyer's blood.

Over the weekend, we saw more reports connecting the Cubs to Correa, Dansby Swanson and Xander Bogaerts, the latter of which is reportedly their 'top priority'. But regardless of which guy the front office has circled on its wish list, it seems unlikely we get any movement on this front until Aaron Judge makes his highly-anticipated decision.