Cubs Rumors: MLB Expert continues to predict Carlos Correa signig

If the Chicago Cubs sign free-agent shortstop Carlos Correa this offseason, MLB Network insider Jon Paul Morosi will have a need for a victory lap on Twitter. Throughout the offseason. Morosi has continued to predict that Correa will sign with the Cubs and those predictions continued on Monday during his hit on MLB Network.

"“I still look at the North Side of Chicago, a team that had a lot of interest in him out of the Draft initially, and a team that’s now looking for the credibility to arrive once again to contender status in Major League Baseball. Carlos Correa I believe needs that stage of the North Side marquee team to try to get back to the postseason. And the Cubs need him … the mutual interest and collaboration there for Correa with the Cubs just to me … makes too much sense. … I believe Correa leaves the Twin Cities, and Chicago to me is the most likely destination.”"

MLB Network

We have discussed at nauseam this offseason Correa and how he is a perfect fit for the Cubs. Correa is a face-of-the-franchise and when these free agents become available, every team should pull out every stop in their efforts to sign them. The Cubs are no different. Correa could be the next face of the Cubs' contending core while establishing himself as a clubhouse leader. Given his proficiency in modern analytics, Correa would also be the perfect bridge between the front office and the clubhouse.

The issue for the Cubs will be whether or not they are willing to set the market for the free-agent shortstops. If they are, then there is no reason to believe that Correa won't be a Cub by the time Spring Training rolls around. If the Cubs are not willing to set the market, then they will risk losing out on Correa and being forced to settle for a lesser option in either Xander Bogaerts or Dansby Swanson.

The Cubs should want to set the market for Correa and the shortstops. Not being willing to pay Jose Abreu $20 million in his age 36,37, and 38 seasons is a smart strategy for the Cubs; not being willing to set the market with the signing of Correa would be an abject failure of the front office.